As Lavrov said in an interview on RT, "Threats have been multiplying around us for decades, on a consistent basis. They have regularly deceived us, first with verbal promises, and then even political obligations encoded in the fundamental Russia-NATO Founding Act". [1]
So it becomes completely understandable Russia wants written assurances from Washington limiting any further NATO enlargement, particularly Ukraine.
Let's not mince words. Russia doesn't intend to invade Ukraine but is fully prepared to defend itself.
When Russian President Vladimir Putin announced in an address to the Russian Duma (parliament) in 2018 Russia's advanced development of nuclear capable hypersonic weaponry decades ahead of anything in the US arsenal it wasn't meant as a threat to Washington but a warning Russia has the capability to defend itself and if attacked would retaliate and annihilate the aggressor.
Russia has a policy of no first use of nuclear weapons. The US has no such policy and the only country that has launched such weapons.
Considering US belligerence since the end of WWII initiating coups, assassinations, false flag operations, use of torture, invasions and occupations, war like provocations, killing of innocents-"collateral damage", while conducting an unending war on terrorism, it's really a no brainer to see the US is and has been an aggressor nation as clearly spelled out in the United Nations Charter document to which the US was an original signee.
Nevertheless getting back to the upcoming talks between Washington and Moscow. There are times even the US recognizes Russia has security red lines that must be respected and not challenged as an actual war with Russia could bring the unthinkable.
Let's hope these talks in January are fruitful and finally bring detente between them.
[1] "Russia battles on world stage laid bare by Foreign Minister in RT interview", RT. December 22, 2021.
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