EU Foreign Policy chief Borrell warns Russia against 'excluding' bloc from security talks

Amid soaring tension between Russia and Ukraine, Josep Borrell, EU's foreign policy chief, warned that Moscow may try to keep European Union out of talks on security guarantees. He stated that Russia's ultimate goals are unclear, except that it is trying to threaten and weaken Ukraine. "Various scenarios are possible. We can't rule out Russia's desire to use crisis as lever for its declared goal of reshaping Europe's security framework while simultaneously excluding Europeans from discussion," Borrell stated on his blog as reported by Sputnik.

EU's foreign policy chief also stressed that any Russian move against Ukraine's sovereignty would have severe consequences, and expressed optimism that United States will t allow Brussels to be excluded from security negotiations. Any discussion of European security architecture must include EU, he ded. Earlier on Friday, December 17, Russia's Foreign Ministry presented a draft proposal on security assurances between Russia and United States, as well as to NATO countries in Europe.

proposals seek to restrict NATO from expanding in eastern Europe. Among several or terms, it also calls to prohibit United States and Russia from placing intermediate and shorter-range missiles within striking distance of each or's territory. "It is obvious that EU must be included in such conversations," Borrell remarked. He also referred to Helsinki Final Act and Paris Charter, as well as principles of Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), which he believes must be applied when dealing with Russia on security issues. In his blog post, Borrell stated that he would be revising Strategic Compass, EU's new defence plan, and that a revised version will be released next month, reported news ncy. 

Russia pushed 70,000 troops towards Ukraine's border: US

It is pertinent to mention here that security concerns have become a vital issue in context of escalating tensions around Ukraine, with reports claiming that Russia has placed troops near Ukrainian border in preparation for an invasion. According to US intelligence officials, Russia has pushed around 70,000 troops towards Ukraine's border and is preparing for an attack early next year. However, Moscow denies any intention of attacking Ukraine and dismisses Western concerns as a "propaganda campaign." 

Im: AP