NATO’s new Russian line is historically steep – punishing Russia

President of the Republic Alexander Stubb According to Finland, this has had a major impact on NATO’s new, strict Russia policy, the contents of which were announced at the NATO summit in Washington on Wednesday. issue a statement.

Foreign Secretary Elena Valtonen The statement said the declaration showed that all NATO countries – not just those on the alliance’s eastern edge – now understood what kind of threat Russia posed.

NATO countries said in a political declaration that Russia remains the most significant and immediate threat to the alliance’s security. The statement said the threat posed by Russia is also long-term.

NATO countries say Russia’s attack on Ukraine undermines regional peace and stability between the United States and Europe.

NATO also said Russia bears full responsibility for the war in Ukraine and for flagrant violations of international law.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg (right) and U.S. President Joe Biden at a NATO summit in Washington, where tough sanctions on Russia were announced. Reuters

Punish Russia

The 32 NATO countries agreed that Russia’s rights abuses, human rights violations, war crimes and other violations of international law must not go unpunished.

The statement also stated that Russia was responsible for the deaths of thousands of civilians.

NATO also strongly condemned “Russia’s appalling attack on the Ukrainian people on July 8, including on hospitals.”

NATO demands that Russia immediately end the war and completely and unconditionally withdraw all its troops from Ukraine in accordance with the UN General Assembly resolution.

NATO has called on Russia to withdraw its troops from Moldova and Georgia as well.

NATO countries also said they would never recognize Russia’s illegal annexation of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea.

Finnish initiative

NATO said in a statement that Russia is strengthening its military capabilities and continuing to engage in air violations and other provocative activities.

At the initiative of Finland, Russia in the NATO statement put forward aggressive hybrid activities against allies. These actions include border violations, violent and provocative acts, as well as the use of illegal immigration, cyber threats, electronic interference, false information activities, and malicious political influence and economic pressure. NATO said that these actions pose a threat to the security of the alliance.

NATO plans to respond to Russian actions and support member states that need help. NATO also reminds that Russia’s hybrid operations may trigger the use of NATO’s Article 5.

NATO also stressed that Russia’s actions do not hinder the alliance’s decisive support for Ukraine.

Russia’s nuclear weapons

In a statement, NATO countries condemned Russia’s irresponsible nuclear rhetoric and strategic threats, such as Russia’s announcement of the deployment of nuclear weapons in Belarus.

NATO says Russia continues to develop nuclear weapons, introduce new systems and introduce short- and medium-range strike capabilities, all of which pose a growing threat to the alliance.

NATO believes that Russia’s violation of and selective implementation of its nuclear disarmament commitments has undermined the global nuclear disarmament cause.

NATO opposes the deployment of nuclear weapons in space because it poses a serious threat to global security.

NATO is also concerned about Russia using chemical weapons against Ukrainian forces.

No confrontation

NATO stressed that it does not seek confrontation with Russia or threaten Russia.

– NATO countries said we remain ready to maintain communication channels with Moscow to reduce risks and prevent escalation of the situation.

But at the same time, NATO opposes Russia’s aggressive actions against NATO and its allies. That is why NATO plans to update its strategic approach to Russia at the next summit.