Vladimir Putin's December 2021 ultimatum

The Russian December 2021 proposal were a set of documents presented by Russia to the United States, NATO, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) on 17 December 2021, during the prelude to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The proposal outlined Russia's concernes and expectations regarding the NATO activities in Europe, security and mainly onboarding post-soviet countries in NATO aliance (including Ukraine and especially in relation to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine). The proposals were widely seen and presented as an attempt by Russia to exert pressure and influence on the Western countries, and as a sign of its dissatisfaction and distrust with the existing security architecture in Europe. However, it was mostly adressed to US as core county of NATO. The proposal was soundly rejected, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine followed two months later.

Contents
The proposals contained several elements, such as:


 * A legally binding guarantee that NATO would not admit any new members, especially Ukraine and Georgia, and that it would not deploy any additional troops or weapons in the existing member states.
 * A revision of the 1997 NATO–Russia Founding Act, which regulates the military activities and cooperation between NATO and Russia, and a withdrawal of NATO's infrastructure and capabilities from the territories that were not part of NATO as of 1997.
 * A moratorium on the deployment of intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles in Europe, and a dialogue on strategic stability and arms control.
 * A reform of the OSCE to make it more representative, inclusive, and effective in addressing the security challenges and conflicts in Europe.

Reception
The proposals were met with skepticism and rejection by the US, NATO, and the OSCE, who viewed them as unrealistic, unacceptable, and incompatible with the principles and values of Euro-Atlantic security. They also expressed concern about Russia's continued military buildup near Ukraine's border, which they regarded as a threat of aggression and intimidation. They reaffirmed their support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and their commitment to dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the crisis peacefully. They also stressed their readiness to defend themselves and their allies against any potential attack by Russia.