Putin Demands NATO Withdrawal to 1997 Lines in Ukraine Talks

Russia has reportedly demanded NATO withdraw its military presence in Eastern Europe to 1997 levels during Ukraine peace talks, according to a Russian negotiation document cited by US media. The proposal would bar newer member states from hosting allied troops. The demands also include halting Western arms deliveries to Ukraine, permanently excluding Kyiv from NATO, and restricting its EU defense participation. France and Britain would be barred from using nuclear weapons to protect other European states. The undated paper echoes Moscow's pre-war demands from late 2021. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz rejected the proposals, while Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman criticized NATO as weakening Europe's "immune system."