The United States has rejected Russian president, Vladimir Putin’s demand to bar Ukraine from ever joining Transatlantic military alliance, NATO, amid fears Russia wants to invade Ukraine, it’s neighbor.
Russia had issued a written list of its concerns about the expansion of the Nato military alliance and related security issues.
Among them was a demand for Nato to rule out the possibility of Ukraine and others ever joining the alliance.
In recent weeks, Russia has been amassing over hundred thousand troops on the Ukraine border – something which Western countries have seen as preparation for a possible invasion. But Russia denies it wants to invade rather claiming Russia is threatened by Ukraine.
Now the US, on behalf of NATO has responded to Russia’s demands.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the US will give Russia no concessions but said that he was offering Russia “a serious diplomatic path forward, should Russia choose it”.