Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to hold talks with Germany, France and Ukraine as NATO fails to take action on the rising conflict in Easter Europe and President Joe Biden's announcement on Friday that he would deploy troops 'in the near term' without backing from NATO.The blow to NATO and exclusion of America in negotiation talks on the Russian-Ukraine crisis came after Putin accused the U.S. and NATO of ignoring the Kremlin's 'fundamental concerns' over NATO's growth during a call with French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday.
Rather than meet with NATO, Putin has agreed to discuss the issue with the European-led Normandy Format, a grouping that includes France, Germany, Ukraine and Russia.
NORMANDY FORMAT The Normandy Format was established between Germany, France, Russia and the Ukraine in 2014.It was formed to broker a cease-fire between Russia and Ukraine following Russia's annexation of Crimea.
A cease-fire was agreed on in 2015, but continued talks between the nations stalled from 2016 to 2019.In 2019, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, who ran on a promise to bring peace between his nation and Russia, criticized the Normandy Format of 'continuing bickering' and described the support of France and Germany as 'lukewarm.
Member countries located closer to Russia fear antagonizing Putin while countries such as Germany rely on Russia for 50 per cent of their gas.
Zelensky Thursday urged President Joe Biden in a call on Thursday to tone down his rhetoric about the brewing situation between Ukraine and Russia, amid fears it could cause panic or a run on supplies, according to a report.
The statement the White put out after the call said the U.S. and allies were ready to 'respond decisively if Russia further invades Ukraine.
Saturday, January 29, 2022
Putin agrees to hold talks with Germany, France and Ukraine as NATO squabbles
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