NATO leaders adopted a new strategy, where Russia was recognized as the greatest threat to security
The leaders of the NATO member countries adopted a new strategic concept, in which they officially recognized Russia as the greatest threat to the security of the North Atlantic Alliance. Document was published on the organization’s website.
The new strategy was agreed upon at a summit taking place in Madrid. The fact that Russia would be reclassified from a “partner” to a “threat” to NATO was reported long before the adoption of the document.
Russia was accused of destabilizing Europe
The main factor influencing the alliance’s decision was the hostilities in Ukraine, which, according to the document, shook Euro-Atlantic security and “caused untold suffering and destruction.” In addition, NATO saw threats in Russia’s actions in the east and south of the alliance’s borders, as well as in the Far North, in the Baltic, Black and Mediterranean seas.
In the light of her [России] hostile policies and actions, we cannot consider the Russian Federation as our partner
The document says that Moscow allegedly carries out cyber attacks on members of the alliance and their partners, and also resorts to hybrid means of struggle. In addition, Russia has been accused of modernizing its nuclear weapons and building up systems that can be used to deliver nuclear warheads. All this, according to the alliance, is designed to shake the “world order based on rules.”
NATO saw a threat in Russia’s partnership with China and Belarus
China has a special place in the document. According to the alliance, Beijing is using an arsenal of “political, economic and military tools” to increase its global influence and harm the security of NATO members. However, China’s cooperation with Moscow was still considered a much greater threat to the alliance.
“The deepening of the strategic partnership between the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation and their complementary attempts to undermine the rules-based world order are contrary to our values and interests,” the agreed concept says.
NATO was also worried about Russia’s “military integration” with Belarus: it was also called a challenge to the security and interests of the alliance.
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The Alliance is still interested in communication with Moscow
Despite all the contradictions, NATO did not completely abandon interaction with Russia – it was decided to keep the channels of communication with Moscow open. According to the leaders of the alliance, this will reduce military risks, prevent possible escalation and ensure transparency.
Moreover, NATO said that they do not seek confrontation with Russia and do not pose any threat to Moscow.
However, shortly before the publication of the concept, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said that the leaders of the North Atlantic Alliance called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a military solution to the conflict in Ukraine. The politician added that NATO countries will continue to support Kyiv for “victory on the battlefield.”
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