Putin revives sweeping demands for a new European security setup

Following talks with US envoys, the Kremlin revived controversial proposals from December 2021 that seek to restrict NATO expansion and roll back military infrastructure in eastern Europe. Russian officials indicated that additional demands may be added as part of discussions that currently exclude direct European participation. While US representatives suggested Putin might agree to European involvement in future talks, the Kremlin stated that a final decision depends on assessing Europe's intentions. EU diplomats have dismissed the demands as an attempt to shift focus away from achieving an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine.