In an abrupt direct message to the United States, the Russian government has put on record that it has no plans to invade Ukraine. According to Moscow's top negotiator for talks in Geneva, Washington was taking Russia's proposals for security guarantees ‘very seriously'.
“The conversation was difficult, long, very professional, deep and specific,” Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told reporters after hours of talks with US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman.
“We had the impression that the American side took Russian proposals very seriously,” he said adding that, “We explained to our colleagues that we have no plans, no intentions to ‘attack' Ukraine…. There is no reason to fear any escalation in this regard.”
The Russian Minister further called on the United States to be ‘responsible' in dealing with Russia, warning that the risks of a growing confrontation ‘cannot be underestimated.'
Ryabkov also denounced US threats of action against Russia as “attempts at blackmail and intimidation”, but said Moscow was “for the continuation of dialogue.” “I don't think the situation is hopeless,” he said.
The announcement comes after top US and Russian diplomats kicked off crucial talks on Monday on soaring tensions over Ukraine, amid fears of a Russian invasion of its pro-Western neighbour.
US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and her Russian counterpart Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov opened their meeting at the US mission in Geneva, a State Department spokesperson said.
The two diplomats had already met informally in the Swiss city on Sunday evening, with Ryabkov afterwards telling the Interfax news agency the conversation was ‘businesslike' and ‘difficult'.
The United States and Russia have set firm lines with Washington warning of the risk of confrontation and Moscow ruling out concessions.
