Kremlin proposes US divide Europe into spheres of influence along Cold War model

The Russian side proposed to Washington the restoration of the geopolitical architecture characteristic of the period from 1946 to 1991. According to The Moscow Times, the Russian delegation during negotiations in Abu Dhabi and a meeting in Moscow advocated a return to the “Cold War” model, which entails a clear division of Europe into zones of influence.

Key Moscow demands on security

According to the Kremlin’s design, such a model is to become the basis for an “indivisible security architecture”. The central element of this plan is the creation of an updated version of the Warsaw Pact, over which Moscow would exercise control.

Conditions regarding Ukraine and NATO’s position

In addition to general geopolitical demands, Kremlin representatives seek to achieve peace with Ukraine on their own terms. Moscow demands that Kyiv officially renounce accession to the North Atlantic Alliance, transfer both Donbas regions to the Russian Federation, and reduce Ukraine’s defence capabilities.

Furthermore, Russia puts forward demands to NATO: the alliance must return to its 1997 borders, which implies withdrawing infrastructure from 16 countries. Moscow also demands that the alliance renounce activity in the Central Asia region.

Official Kremlin rhetoric

Earlier, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin stated: “Мені не хотілося б так думати, що ми переходимо до якоїсь "холодної війни", і впевнений, цього ніхто не хоче” (I would not like to think that we are moving towards some kind of “Cold War”, and I am sure that no one wants this).