Russia renews demands for NATO withdrawal to 1997 borders

Russia has renewed demands for NATO to withdraw its forces to 1997 positions, presenting the conditions during closed talks in Abu Dhabi this week, according to a document dated November 10 reviewed by The New York Times. The Kremlin's key demands include halting NATO expansion, ending all military activity in Ukraine, Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia, and withdrawing troops and bases from countries that joined the alliance after 1997, such as Poland and the Baltics. The document also calls for ending Western arms supplies to Ukraine and restricts Ukraine's EU membership to exclude participation in common defense policy. The document represents Moscow's initial negotiating position, with Russian officials signaling potential flexibility. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner urged Russians to focus on the future, while remaining open to new proposals that include concrete steps to reduce tensions.