Russia's intelligence chief threatens NATO with dire consequences
Sergey Naryshkin, the director of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service, issued threats against NATO and Belarus' neighbours during a speech in Minsk. Russian media, covering Naryshkin's meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and the subsequent press conference, reported that it was a presentation of conditions for a "peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine."
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What do you need to know?
- Sergey Naryshkin, director of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service, met with Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk. He presented the conditions - as reported by pro-Russian media - for a "peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine".
- A close associate of Vladimir Putin warned that in the event of NATO aggression against Russia or Belarus, the entire North Atlantic Alliance will suffer, but Poland and the Baltic States will be the first to bear the brunt.
- Naryshkin also stated that Ukraine desires a military continuation of the conflict.
What are Russia's strategic goals?
Sergey Naryshkin, director of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service, in a conversation with journalists present at the press conference convened after his discussions with the Belarusian President, emphasised that the conditions for a peace agreement include Ukraine's neutral, non-nuclear status. He also added that Russia expects "demilitarization and denazification of the Ukrainian state."
What does recognising Russia's borders mean?
Naryshkin pointed out that a key element of the agreement is the recognition of Russia's sovereignty and current borders. He also mentioned that it is necessary to repeal all "discriminatory" laws adopted in Ukraine after 2014.
What warnings were directed towards Poland and the Baltic States?
Sergey Naryshkin warned that "security services of Russia and Belarus are ready to act, considering increased escalation from Europe regarding Ukraine."
-The head of the foreign intelligence service warned that if NATO launches an attack on Russia or Belarus, Moscow will respond against the entire North Atlantic Alliance — with Poland and the Baltic States being the first to face the consequences.
Russian assessment of Ukraine's expectations
Naryshkin also shared his opinion on Ukraine's stance towards the conflict. He stated that Kyiv is not moving towards peace. A Kremlin official stated that they recognize Ukraine's desire to continue the conflict militarily, adding that they understand the reasoning behind it — as it is the only way for the current leadership in Kyiv to maintain power and avoid being held accountable by their citizens.
