Putin says Russia has ‘diverse’ options if West refuses security guarantees on Ukraine

Moscow has submitted draft security documents demanding that Nato deny membership to Ukraine and other former Soviet countries

The president voiced concern that the US and its allies could use the move as a cover to pursue a military build-up near Russia

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Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: dpa

Published: 10:31pm, 26 Dec 2021

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday he would ponder a slew of options if the West fails to meet his push for security guarantees precluding Nato’s expansion to Ukraine.

Earlier this month, Moscow submitted draft security documents demanding that Nato deny membership to Ukraine and other former Soviet countries and roll back its military deployments in central and eastern Europe.

Putin has urged the West to move quickly to meet the demands, warning that Moscow will have to take “adequate military-technical measures” if the global powers continue its “aggressive” course “on the threshold of our home.”

Asked to specify what such Moscow’s response could be, he said in comments aired by Russian state TV on Sunday that “it could be diverse,” adding without elaboration that “it will depend on what proposals our military experts submit to me.”

The US and its allies have refused to offer Russia the kind of guarantee on Ukraine that Putin wants, citing Nato’s principle that membership is open to any qualifying country.