NATO Will Not Back Down On Ukraine, Russia: We Are Ready For A Dialogue On Security Guarantees

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova (Twitter/@RussianEmbassy)

JAKARTA - Russia is ready to hold direct talks with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), on Moscow's proposals for security guarantees, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Friday.

"We confirm readiness for direct dialogue with NATO on the draft Russian agreement on security guarantees for Russia, which excludes further expansion of the alliance to the east and deployment of offensive weapons near Russian borders," she said, quoted by TASS, December 24.

Zakharova stressed that Moscow had accepted Brussels' proposal to convene a Russia-NATO Council to debate the topic of Ukraine.

"Now being considered how it can be done practically," she said.

Zakharova further said the 'unfriendly acts' of Russia's Permanent Mission to NATO, led to its early closure. Zakharova stressed, it should be considered when making arrangements for the meeting.

"But as I said, we are open to dialogue," the diplomat repeated.

Earlier, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Tuesday said NATO offered to convene a Russia-NATO Council early next year to discuss the situation in Ukraine.

She also said the alliance would not back down on Ukraine's right to "choose its path" or pursue NATO membership, in addition to alliance member states' right to defend each other.