Talks between the US and Russia over Ukraine have ended in Geneva with the two sides agreeing to continue negotiations, and Russia committing to participation in multilateral dialogue that will include NATO member states later this week.
Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said the Kremlin has no plans to invade Ukraine, although he strenuously defended the right of Russian forces to mass along the border.
He also said Moscow is insistent upon securing a legally binding agreement that will permanently bar Ukraine, Georgia and other former Soviet states from ever joining the NATO alliance.
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http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0110ryabkov-self1.mp3
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Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, leading the American delegation in Geneva, said the discussions there today were “frank and forthright”….but called Russia’s proposal over NATO membership a “non-starter”.
She also insisted the US will not allow Russia to drive a wedge between Washington and its allies and partners in the region.
At the White House, spokesman Jen Psaki said President Biden had been briefed on the outcome of the discussions.
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