The Kremlin has so far seen no reason for optimism in talks with the United States

 

 There are still no significant reasons for optimism about Russia's talks with the United States on security guarantees, said Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the Russian president. The talks took place in Geneva the day before, January 10. Russia's foreign ministry has called them difficult, and the United States considers the talks fair and frank, Kommersant reports.

Peskov discussed this topic during a press conference. "So far, let's say we see no significant reason for optimism. It deserves a positive assessment and this positive assessment was given by Ryabkov (Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergei Ryabkov) on how these negotiations were conducted, I mean their nature, ie: open, substantial and direct, "said the Kremlin spokesman. 

The main topic of discussion was Russia's demands for security from the United States and NATO. Moscow, in particular, wants assurances that NATO will not expand and will not deploy strike systems in Europe. The alliance called the proposals of the Russian side unacceptable.