US open to discussions with Russia to limit military exercise in Ukraine

American officials have raised the possibility of restricting military maneuvers and missile deployments in Eastern Europe as long as Russia reciprocates ahead of talks on growing tensions as Russian forces encircle Ukraine.

Speaking on Saturday, US officials raised the possibility of incremental shifts in decisions about the United States’s future strategic posture in Europe. But they also said Russia would be hit with debilitating sanctions should it intervene in Ukraine.

The officials said the Biden administration would be open to discussions with Russia on curtailing possible future deployments of offensive missiles in Ukraine and putting limits on US and NATO military exercises in Eastern Europe.

“There are some areas … where we think it might be possible to make progress,” provided any promises are “reciprocal,” said one official on condition of anonymity, giving details on a conference call.

“Russia has said it feels threatened by the prospect of offensive missile systems being placed in Ukraine … The United States has no intention of doing that. So this is one area where we may be able to reach an understanding if Russia is willing to make a reciprocal commitment.”

Moscow “has also expressed an interest in discussing the future of certain missile systems in Europe, along the lines of the INF Treaty [Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty]” and “we’re open to discussing this,” the official said.

The comments came as senior American and Russian officials prepare to meet in Switzerland on Monday amid heightened tensions over Ukraine.

Russia said on Sunday it was “disappointed” by signals from the US and NATO. Interfax quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov as saying Moscow was not optimistic going into the talks.

SOURCE: NEWS AGENCIES