Russia's President Vladimir Putin has announced that high-level talks will take place with the United States early next year over the growing tensions in Ukraine.

Russia is strongly wary of Ukraine joining the NATO-North Atlantic Treaty Organization and wants to draw concessions from the United States through negotiations.

President Putin held a year-end press conference in Moscow on the 23rd, answering questions from domestic and foreign media for about four hours.



In this, he said that the United States and NATO are strengthening relations with Ukraine, "Did we deploy missiles near the border of the United States? The United States is approaching us with missiles." He showed a strong sense of caution.



He also revealed that high-level talks with the United States are expected to take place in Geneva, Switzerland, early next year.



Russia is seeking a guarantee in the form of an agreement to prevent NATO from expanding further, such as when neighboring Ukraine joins NATO, and President Putin said, "The problem is how our security is secured. Ruka. The ball is on the opponent's side, "he said, and would like to draw concessions from the United States through negotiations.



President Putin also said that after the collapse of the Soviet Union 30 years ago, the West continued to expand NATO to the east without keeping promises. "They think that even Russia today is too big. Continue to put pressure on it. I have to think that's why I am there, "he said, showing a strong distrust.

The idea of ​​discussing with the US NATO countries

A senior US White House official said, "Negotiations will take place on the premise that Russia will maintain the unity of Ukraine's territory and will not change its borders by force."



In addition, the official said in talks with the Russian side, "We must also discuss the concerns of us and our allies about Russia's actions that have destabilized Europe's security," NATO countries early next month. He also expressed his intention to discuss with the Russian side.



Also, according to the US State Department, Secretary of State Blinken held a series of telephone talks with NATO Secretary of State Jens Stoltenberg and British Foreign Minister Jens Stoltenberg on the 23rd, confirming that they will cooperate with Russia.