**Kremlin Denies Demanding NATO Rollback in Talks with US**
Russia’s Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, denied on February 21 that the country asked the United States to withdraw troops from NATO’s eastern flank during talks in Saudi Arabia. This denial comes after a Financial Times article claimed that Russian delegates demanded the NATO rollback as a condition for “normalizing relations.”
Peskov told journalists that this claim is not true and that Russia has long been concerned about NATO’s expansion towards its borders. He added that this position is well-known and no secret to anyone.
This denial marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The U.S. delegation reportedly rejected the demand, but concerns remain over what concessions President Donald Trump might consider to secure a deal on ending war with Russia.
**Background**
Russia has repeatedly used Ukraine’s possible entry into NATO as one of the justifications for launching its full-scale invasion. This is not the first time that Russia has demanded the NATO rollback from its eastern flank, having done so during unsuccessful talks in late 2021.
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to escalate, with both sides experiencing significant losses. The Ukrainian military intelligence reported on February 22 that Russia aims to sow despair among Ukrainians, destabilize the situation in the country, and discredit Ukraine among its allies.
**Global Reaction**
The international community remains divided on how to address the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Some countries, like Sweden, have increased their defense spending and military capabilities in response to Russia’s actions. Others, like China, have offered to play a constructive role in the political settlement of the crisis.
U.S. officials have expressed concerns about what concessions President Trump might consider to secure a deal on ending war with Russia. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that testing Russia’s intentions is essential to determine whether they genuinely want to end the war.
**Key Developments**
* 26.1% of Ukrainians completely approve President Volodymyr Zelensky, while another 36.9% tend to approve him.
* The fiber-optic cable between Finland and Germany was damaged near Gotland Island within the Swedish economic zone.
* Russia launched 160 Shahed-type attack drones against Ukraine overnight, with 87 shot down and 70 lost without causing damage.
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