Part 4/13:
Meanwhile, Moscow’s approach appears intent on extracting concessions before any formal negotiations could take root—particularly regarding Ukraine’s NATO ambitions. Lavrov’s statements underscore Moscow’s view that expanding NATO into Ukraine threatens its security, referencing a longstanding Russian narrative that NATO's eastward expansion is aggressive and provocative. His dismissal of Western proposals for peacekeeping forces further demonstrates Moscow’s reluctance to accept international involvement that could limit their strategic aims.