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THE RUSSIAN THREAT PERCEIVED BY NATO
Submitted by christian on Thu, 06/30/2022 - 11:09
The Russian Federation is the most significant and direct threat to Allies’ security and to peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area.
- It seeks to establish spheres of influence and direct control through coercion, subversion, aggression and annexation.
- It uses conventional, cyber and hybrid means against us and our partners.
- Its coercive military posture, rhetoric and proven willingness to use force to pursue its political goals undermine the rules-based international order.
- The Russian Federation is modernising its nuclear forces and expanding its novel and disruptive dual-capable delivery systems, while employing coercive nuclear signalling.
- It aims to destabilise countries to our East and South. In the High North, its capability to disrupt Allied reinforcements and freedom of navigation across the North Atlantic is a strategic challenge to the Alliance. Moscow’s military build-up, including in the Baltic, Black and Mediterranean Sea regions, along with its military integration with Belarus, challenge our security and interests.
- NATO does not seek confrontation and poses no threat to the Russian Federation.
- We will continue to respond to Russian threats and hostile actions in a united and responsible way.
- We will significantly strengthen deterrence and defence for all Allies, enhance our resilience against Russian coercion and support our partners to counter malign interference and aggression.
- In light of its hostile policies and actions, we cannot consider the Russian Federation to be our partner.
- However, we remain willing to keep open channels of communication with Moscow to manage and mitigate risks, prevent escalation and increase transparency.
- We seek stability and predictability in the Euro-Atlantic area and between NATO and the Russian Federation. Any change in our relationship depends on the Russian Federation halting its aggressive behaviour and fully complying with international law.