Russia asks NATO to return to 1997 positions in Ukraine talks, NYT reports

Russia has proposed that NATO withdraw its forces to positions occupied in 1997, before the alliance's eastward expansion, according to a document circulated by Russian officials and obtained by the New York Times. The proposal was reintroduced during negotiations this week in Abu Dhabi. The demand, which includes pulling NATO troops from Poland and the Baltic states, places European security at the center of Ukraine talks. The document, dated November 10, represents Russia's initial position, though officials signaled Putin could show flexibility, and it reflects Moscow's view of Cold War-era spheres of influence as a model. The proposal, first made two months before Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, is being repeated nearly word-for-word now. It underscores that economic incentives offered by Trump envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff have not yet yielded concessions from Moscow.