Gavrilov: ‘under no circumstances will Russia allow NATO infrastructure in Ukraine, Georgia

The head of the Russian delegation at the Vienna talks, Konstantin Gavrilov, has stated that ‘under no circumstances will Russia allow NATO infrastructure in Ukraine and Georgia.’ 

 

He claimed that an agreement on the security guarantee proposals to NATO and the US made by Moscow is possible, as Russia and the US have already ‘launched contacts’. 

 

“I think they do not think that we are bluffing, but they will undoubtedly and quite possibly try to talk round this issue. But time is running out. We are waiting for concrete, real steps to allay Russian concerns. The time has come,” Sputnik cited Gavrilov as saying. 

 

He also said that it is too early to talk about Russia’s actions if the alliance refuses, but noted that the possible response “will be military-technical if there are no other arguments left”.

 

The proposal by Russia includes restrictions on troop, ship, and aircraft deployments for both NATO and Russia, as well limits to the deployment of intermediate and short-range missiles abroad.

 

Russia also demanded from NATO not to allow Georgia and Ukraine into the alliance.