The aggressive diplomatic dialogue between the US and Russia on the Ukraine issue continues unabated. US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman has warned Russia that it must choose either diplomacy or confrontation with the West. She was speaking after talks between NATO and Russia, one of three diplomatic events this week aimed at reducing tension over Ukraine. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said NATO could not cherry-pick Moscow’s demands. The list of demands includes Ukraine never joining NATO.
Ms Sherman reiterated that the US and other NATO members would never agree to veto Ukrainian admission. She pointed out that the military alliance had an open-door policy. The goal of joining NATO is part of Ukraine’s constitution. Some 100,000 Russian troops have reportedly amassed near the Ukrainian border, prompting fears of an invasion.
