The EU may demand that Russia withdraw its troops from Belarus and other countries as part of the Ukraine deal
The European Union is considering demanding that Russia withdraw its troops from Belarus, Georgia, Armenia and Transnistria as part of a potential agreement to end the war against Ukraine. This was reported by RFE/RL with reference to diplomatic sources.
What conditions are being discussed in the EU
According to the publication, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaya Kallas has sent out a document to member states with a list of concessions that Brussels expects from Moscow during the negotiations.
Among the key requirements:
Reducing the number of Russian troops;
the complete absence of Russia's military presence in Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova (Transnistria), Georgia and Armenia;
refusal to deploy Russian nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus.
Additional political conditions
In addition to the security points, the EU insists on a broader package of requirements for Russia, among other things:
payment of reparations to Ukraine;
allowing international investigators to investigate war crimes;
release of political prisoners;
holding democratic elections in Russia itself.
Next steps
The document is expected to be discussed by EU ambassadors in the coming days.
It is only about the position that Brussels can promote in future negotiations, not about the terms already agreed upon.
Context.
The European Union has consistently insisted on:
full restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity;
holding Russia accountable for the war;
long-term security guarantees for the region.
The discussion of a broader package of requirements indicates the EU's attempt to link the end of the war in Ukraine to the transformation of the security architecture in Eastern Europe.
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