Russia proposed dividing Europe into spheres of influence, NYT reports

Russia proposed that the US return to a Cold War model of international relations and divide Europe into spheres of influence, according to The New York Times citing American diplomats. The Kremlin's plan includes Moscow controlling an updated version of the Warsaw Pact. The proposal was made during negotiations in Abu Dhabi and a meeting in Moscow. Russia seeks peace with Ukraine on its own terms, demanding Kyiv abandon NATO membership, cede territories, and reduce its defense capabilities. Moscow also requires NATO to withdraw infrastructure from 16 countries and return to 1997 borders. Russian dictator Vladimir Putin previously stated he does not want to think about transitioning to a Cold War. The demands echo ultimatums Moscow issued to NATO before its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, now repeated in closed talks with US President Donald Trump's representatives.