NATO must withdraw to 1997 borders, Russia demands in peace talks

Russia is demanding NATO withdraw to its 1997 borders, according to a document presented by Moscow's delegation at peace talks in Abu Dhabi, as reported by the New York Times. The proposal includes removing all NATO troops and bases from Eastern Europe. Putin's adviser Yuri Ushakov confirmed this as the official negotiation strategy. The plan would force Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Baltic states out of NATO, leaving the eastern flank unprotected. Moscow also demands an end to Western arms supplies to Ukraine and constitutional neutrality for Kyiv. The document additionally calls for Ukraine to cede the Donbass region, which the US reportedly offered Kyiv in exchange for NATO membership during Thursday's Dublin talks. Russia also seeks to bar France and Britain from nuclear defense of Europe, though the Kremlin denied demanding Finland's NATO withdrawal.