Russia demands NATO return to 1997 borders and end Ukraine support

Russia has renewed demands for NATO to withdraw its forces to 1997 positions and halt military support for Ukraine, according to a document dated November 10 and reported by The New York Times. The Kremlin's conditions were presented during closed talks in Abu Dhabi this week. The document outlines key demands including NATO's refusal of further expansion, cessation of all alliance military activity in Ukraine, Eastern Europe, South Caucasus, and Central Asia, plus withdrawal of troops and bases from countries that joined after 1997. Russia also seeks to bar France and Britain from using nuclear weapons to defend other European nations, and demands an end to Western weapons supplies to Ukraine. The NYT notes the document represents Moscow's initial negotiating position, with Russian officials signaling Putin may show flexibility. Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner urged Russians to focus on the future and remain open to new proposals. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov previously denied similar conditions reported by Bild.