Bild learns of Russia’s demands for a new security architecture in Europe

Russia, as part of its proposals for a new European security system, is demanding that Finland leave NATO and that the alliance refrain from deploying bases in the Baltic states.

This is reported by the German tabloid Bild, citing sources.

According to the publication, Moscow presented such demands to European representatives during certain unofficial negotiations, as well as during talks in Abu Dhabi. Bild does not specify which negotiations are being referred to. It is noted that it is unknown whether Russian President Vladimir Putin supports this proposal, and that it is merely one of the proposals being discussed in unofficial negotiating circles.

Under this proposal, Russia demands that Ukraine be granted a non-aligned status and renounce NATO membership, but allows for its membership in the European Union. The ports of Odesa and Mykolaiv are proposed to be demilitarized so that Ukraine cannot use them as naval bases. Agreements on freedom of navigation in the Black and Baltic Seas are also envisioned.

Furthermore, as the publication writes, Moscow continues to insist on the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the part of Donetsk region still under Kyiv’s control.

Moldova is proposed to be transformed into a federal republic with Gagauzia and Transnistria as constituent parts. In the event of Moldova joining the EU, Transnistria and Gagauzia should be given the opportunity to hold referendums on independence.

In exchange, Russia offers to withdraw nuclear weapons from Belarus and to refrain from deploying intermediate-range missiles there, as well as to withdraw troops from Transnistria.

Moscow has not officially confirmed such proposals, stating only its demand for a neutral status for Ukraine and NATO’s commitment not to expand eastward.

“Russia demands that NATO’s refusal to expand be documented,” said Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has also voiced several of its own ideas about what a new security architecture for Europe could look like. The proposals outlined by Bild were not among them.