Russia dials back the tough talk

Russia, which has invaded Ukraine, annexed its territory and helped foment a war in its eastern region that’s claimed 14,000 lives, has now massed 100,000 troops on its neighbor’s border. In exchange, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has been granted talks this week on Eastern European security. Putin has demanded a rollback of NATO’s power to the days when Russia had a firmer grip on its former satellites. He also seeks to bar new NATO members (especially Ukraine). But U.S. officials, while saying they are willing to rejuvenate an earlier missile agreement, warned that a trip down memory lane is not in the offing, least of all at the point of a gun. In Geneva Monday, Russian officials said the first day of talks had been professional while both sides acknowledge they remain far apart. Russia made a point of repeating its pledge that, despite the huge troop buildup, there were no plans to attack. But there’s been another wrinkle, one that might be a sign of modulation in Moscow: Russia’s media organs are dialing down the tough talk. —David E. Rovella

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