Putin Urges West to Act Quickly to Offer Security Guarantees

Putin Urges West to Act Quickly to Offer Security Guarantees
Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures while speaking during his annual news conference in Moscow, Russia, on Dec. 23, 2021. Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP Photo
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MOSCOW—Russian President Vladimir Putin urged the West on Thursday to move quickly to meet Russia’s demand for security guarantees precluding NATO’s expansion to Ukraine and the deployment of the military alliance’s weapons there.

Speaking during a marathon annual news conference, the Russian leader welcomed talks with the U.S. that are set to start in Geneva next month, but warned the discussion focused on Moscow’s demand needs to produce quick results.