Photo credit: kremlin.ru (CC BY 4.0)
The telephone conversation between Russian and American presidents Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden took place on December 31. The conversation lasted almost an hour, RIA Novosti reports.
The presidents discussed the issues that were raised during the last video meeting, including security guarantees. Moscow hopes that the conversation can help come to a compromise, taking into account the positions of both countries.
Earlier, Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden spoke on December 7 for about two hours. The presidents demonstrated a commitment to work. Lately, there have been such a mass of problems and difficulties between the countries that it may take more than one year to solve them.
10 days later, Moscow sent to Washington drafts of a bilateral treaty on security guarantees and an agreement on measures to ensure the security of the Russian Federation and the NATO countries. The document combines eight sections that cover all aspects of mutual security assurances.
It is planned that these guarantees will be discussed in negotiations with Washington. They are scheduled for January 10. In two days, consultations with the NATO are planned, and the next day, Russian representatives will meet with the OSCE.
Aide to the President Yuri Ushakov called the telephone conversation specific and meaningful. Washington has shown a desire to understand the logic of Russia's position, which is set forth in the documents on security guarantees handed over by Moscow.
The US President recalled possible "large-scale sanctions". The Russian leader is sure that this would be a big mistake, which could result in a complete break in relations.
The Russian president also detailed the basic principles laid down in the documents on strategic security guarantees sent to the US and NATO.
Russkiy Mir
