Putin urges West to act quickly and agree to security guarantees over Nato

Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures while speaking during his annual news conference in Moscow (Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged the West to move quickly to meet Russia’s demand for security guarantees precluding Nato’s expansion to Ukraine and the deployment of the military alliance’s weapons there.

Speaking during a marathon annual news conference, the Russian leader welcomed talks with the US that are set to start in Geneva next month, but warned the discussion about Moscow’s demand needs to produce quick results.