Russia hands draft security pacts to US, expects quick talks

By VLADIMIR ISACHENKOV
Associated Press

MOSCOW (AP) — The Kremlin says Russia has submitted draft documents outlining security arrangements it wants to negotiate with the United States and its NATO allies. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that a senior Russian envoy stood ready to depart for talks in a neutral country. Peskov says Russian President Vladimir Putin may have another call with U.S. President Joe Biden before year’s end to discuss the security issue. In a video call with Putin last week, Biden voiced concern about a buildup of Russian troops near Ukraine.  Putin denies he’s planning an invasion and wants Western leaders to provide guarantees that Ukraine will not join NATO. NATO is suggesting that it might be willing to discuss the security proposals.