Yesterday, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg made gruesome statement against Russia. He warned Moscow to be careful about the steps it takes against any member of NATO.
“I believe that Russia should send a clear signal – if they want a conflict, we are ready. If they want to cooperate, we will be glad,” – Stoltenberg said, emphasising that the Alliance is ready to protect its members.
According to him, the dialogue with Russia should be based on “strength, firmness”.
The signs of Stoltenberg’s speech indicate that the current situation between NATO and Russia might turn into tension. It is interesting what consequences may occur if NATO and Russia involve in the conflict in near future.
Further to clarification of the issues between Russia and NATO, Konstantin Tasits, expert at the Russian Institute for Strategic Studies, shared comments with Eurasia Diary.
Konstantin noted that the advancement of NATO to the east has increased problems with Russia, which Moscow always sees this as threat to its sovereignty.
“The contradictions between Russia and NATO have been steadily growing since the 1990s. From the Russian point of view, they are connected with NATO's advance towards the borders of Russia, although there are verbal assurances that this would not happen” – he said.
According to opinion of Russian expert, the military clash between Russia and NATO is will never happen.
“Currently, a direct military clash between Russia and NATO looks unlikely, despite the deteriorating relationship. This will lead to a full-scale war using nuclear weapons, which will become catastrophe,” he said.
“To avoid tensions, the parties need an open dialogue and consideration of mutual interests,” he added.
Konstantin considers that both sides are not ready for bilateral dialogue. Main reason of that is the ideological approach of NATO to Russia.
“Unfortunately, NATO countries take an ideological approach. Russia would like to see relations built on a more realistic basis. Opportunities for dialogue will appear if global threats are put aside,” he stressed.
Russian expert also pointed out that both NATO and Russia should agree on the mutual concessions in the negotiations in order to circumvent tensions.
“Both sides can abandon militarisation. If NATO abandons moving its infrastructure to the east, Russia will have no reason to strengthen its military power on the western borders,” he said.
by Yunis Abdullayev