Russia denies replying to U.S. on security proposals - RIA

FILE PHOTO: Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko gives a news conference after a meeting at NATO headquarters between Russian ministers and alliance diplomats, at the Russian embassy, in Brussels, Belgium January 12, 2022. REUTERS/Yves Herman


MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko denied reports on Tuesday that Moscow had given the United States a written response to Washington's counterproposals on security guarantees demanded by Russia, the RIA news agency reported.

RIA quoted a diplomatic source as saying that a response was still being prepared.

A State Department spokesperson said on Monday the United States has received a written follow-up from Russia on the matter.

Washington and Brussels replied last week to Moscow's demands for legally binding security guarantees amid a standoff over Ukraine's plans to join NATO.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said last week they had not addressed Moscow's main security demands but Russia was ready to keep talking.

(Reporting by Maxim Rodionov; Writing by Olzhas Auyezov; Editing by Andrew Heavens)