Axios: Russian officials to brief Putin on "very disappointing" security talks
Russian diplomats panned this week's security talks with the U.S., NATO and other European countries after the final set of negotiations on Thursday, telling reporters that Vladimir Putin will be briefed on the "really disappointing" state of affairs before deciding "next steps."
Why it matters: The diplomats wouldn't say what Russia would do if NATO declined to provide legal guarantees that it will not expand east or admit Ukraine as a member. But officials have warned all week that Russia will not hesitate to "eliminate unacceptable threats to our national security" if diplomacy fails.
The big picture: More than 100,000 Russian troops have massed on the border with Ukraine, raising fears that Putin will further invade his vulnerable neighbor in an effort to stop Kyiv's drift to the West.
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WNU Editor: This is what Putin is being told .... Top Russian diplomat says there no point in further Ukraine talks as European leaders warn of the risk of war (Business Insider). More here .... Talks between Russia, US and NATO on security guarantees deadlocked — MFA (TASS), and here .... Disagreements detected on key issues during Russia, US, NATO talks — Kremlin (TASS).
Update: I do not think this intimidate the West and/or change the discussion, but the Kremlin has decided to make this public .... Military experts offering Putin options in case Ukraine crisis worsens – Moscow (RT).