US-Russia 8-Hour Marathon Talks End...Only Confirmed Differences on Ukraine Issue

US "Opposes Russia's Unfeasible Demands"
Russia "Military and Technical Response if Negotiations Fail"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The talks between the United States and Russia held in Geneva, Switzerland to resolve the Ukraine crisis reportedly ended without any significant diplomatic breakthrough, merely reaffirming the differences between the two sides. Despite nearly eight hours of marathon discussions, the opposing claims of both parties were evenly matched, making it difficult to find common ground in future follow-up talks.

On the 10th (local time), Wendy Sherman, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State leading the American delegation, stated at a press conference immediately after the security talks with the Russian side concluded that she opposed Russia's impossible demands regarding security guarantees such as a pledge to halt the expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). She dismissed the demands by saying, "No one can close NATO's open-door policy." She also downplayed the significance of the talks themselves, describing them as "discussions rather than negotiations."

Sergey Ryabkov, Deputy Foreign Minister leading the Russian delegation, reiterated Russia's previously stated position. At the press conference, he said, "We made great efforts to explain why playing with fire is not in the interest of the United States. We conveyed that Russia has no plans to invade Ukraine," and warned, "Despite NATO's opposition, Russia will continue training within its territory, and if negotiations fail, Russia's response will take on military and technical characteristics."

The U.S. side demanded measures to ease tensions, such as the withdrawal of troops from the border area with Ukraine, but Russia reportedly did not provide any definite answers. However, the U.S. indicated that if Russia takes similar measures, discussions could be held regarding the deployment of U.S. troops and equipment in the region. Still, with Russia demanding a halt to NATO's eastward expansion, it remains uncertain whether Russia will accept this, making it difficult for the two sides to find common ground.

Nonetheless, both sides agreed to continue consultations. Deputy Secretary Sherman stated, "The Russian delegation proposed meeting again soon, and future talks are expected to be held in Switzerland." The NATO-Russia talks scheduled for the 12th and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)-Russia talks on the 13th are also expected to involve the U.S., but a significant diplomatic breakthrough is unlikely.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.