Russian December 2021 ultimatum

Russian December 2021 ultimatum were a set of documents presented by Russia to the United States, NATO, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) on 17 December 2021, during the prelude to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[1][2] The ultimatum outlined Russia's demands and expectations regarding the security situation in Europe, especially in relation to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the future expansion of NATO. The proposals were seen as an attempt by Russia to exert pressure and influence on the Western countries, and as a sign of its dissatisfaction and distrust with the existing security architecture in Europe.[3][4][5][6]

Contents

The proposals contained several controversial and provocative elements, such as:

  • A legally binding guarantee that NATO would not admit any new members, especially Ukraine and Georgia, and that it would not deploy any additional troops or weapons in the existing member states.
  • A revision of the 1997 NATO–Russia Founding Act, which regulates the military activities and cooperation between NATO and Russia, and a withdrawal of NATO's infrastructure and capabilities from the territories of the former Soviet Union.
  • A recognition of Russia's special interests and role in ensuring security and stability in the post-Soviet space, and a respect for its sovereignty and territorial integrity, including over Crimea and Donbas.
  • A moratorium on the deployment of intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles in Europe, and a dialogue on strategic stability and arms control.
  • A reform of the OSCE to make it more representative, inclusive, and effective in addressing the security challenges and conflicts in Europe.

Reception

The proposals were met with skepticism and rejection by the US, NATO, and the OSCE, who viewed them as unrealistic, unacceptable, and incompatible with the principles and values of Euro-Atlantic security. They also expressed concern about Russia's continued military buildup near Ukraine's border, which they regarded as a threat of aggression and intimidation. They reaffirmed their support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and their commitment to dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the crisis peacefully. They also stressed their readiness to defend themselves and their allies against any potential attack by Russia.

Criticism

The proposals were also criticized by some experts and analysts, who argued that they were based on false premises, distorted facts, and outdated notions of security. They also pointed out that they ignored the aspirations and interests of other countries in the region, especially Ukraine and Georgia, who sought closer integration with NATO and the EU. They also warned that they could undermine the existing security mechanisms and institutions in Europe, and create more instability and uncertainty.

The proposals were part of a broader diplomatic effort by Russia to address its "security concerns" and grievances in Europe, which had been exacerbated by Russia's invasion and subsequent annexation of Crimea in 2014, its war in Donbass, its poisonings of the Skripals and Alexei Navalny, and the 2021 Belarusian crisis. The effort also included bilateral talks between Russia and the United States, multilateral consultations within the Normandy Format (i.e. France, Germany, Russia, and Ukraine), and a potential summit between Russia and NATO. The effort was ostensibly aimed to prevent a further escalation of tensions and a possible military confrontation between Russia and NATO over the former's aggression towards Ukraine.

See also

References
  1. "Putin's December 2021 Ultimatum". www.globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 13 June 2023. Russia's Foreign Ministry presented two comprehensive draft agreements on security guarantees between Russia, the United States and the NATO alliance on 17 December 2021. The two documents were written in the language of ultimatum, and seemed designed to be rejected.
  2. "Putin threatens military action if NATO rejects Russian ultimatum". The Week.
  3. Roth, Andrew (December 17, 2021). "Russia issues list of demands it says must be met to lower tensions in Europe" – via The Guardian.
  4. Pifer, Steven (December 21, 2021). "Russia's draft agreements with NATO and the United States: Intended for rejection?".
  5. "Putin Warns NATO of Military Response as U.S. Seeks Dialogue". December 21, 2021 – via www.bloomberg.com.
  6. Tétrault-Farber, Gabrielle; Balmforth, Tom (December 17, 2021). "Russia demands NATO roll back from East Europe and stay out of Ukraine" – via www.reuters.com.
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