Putin sees ‘positive’ US reaction to Russia security proposals but says ‘ball is in their court’

Russian president said Washington was ready for talks at the start of next year in Geneva, and fielded questions about coronavirus and its economic fallout

He also announced that a new arsenal of hypersonic missiles he has previously described as ‘invincible’ were nearing combat readiness

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Russian President Vladimir Putin answers questions during his annual news conference. Photo: EPA

Published: 8:55pm, 23 Dec 2021

President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that Washington’s willingness to discuss Russia’s security proposals aimed at curbing Nato’s eastward expansion was “positive”, as fears mount in the West over a major military escalation in Ukraine.

The Kremlin has grown increasingly insistent that the West and Nato are encroaching dangerously close to Russia’s borders.

Moscow presented the West with sweeping security demands last week, saying Nato must not admit new members and barring the United States from establishing new bases in former Soviet countries.

Washington responded that it is willing to discuss the security proposals, but disagrees with part of them and insists European allies must be part of the talks.

President Putin holds his annual press conference in Moscow. Photo: AFP

“The ball is in their court. They need to provide us with some answer,” Putin said at his annual end-of-year press conference.

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