Before the meeting of NATO Council-Russia remains less than a day. As informs Agency France Presse, this is the first forum, held in 2014, when the Alliance suspended cooperation with Russia, accusing Moscow of involvement in the conflict in Eastern Ukraine.
However, it makes little difference in the relationship between NATO and Russia. According to the Secretary General of the Alliance Jens Stoltenberg, “the main purpose of the meeting of the CNR is to exchange views, be transparent, promote predictability”. But at the same time, he noted that the very fact of the convening of the Council “does not mean that we return to “business as usual”.
“In 2014, we have suspended practical cooperation, but have kept a chance for political dialogue, – said Stoltenberg. – It is very important to support him, especially in such difficult times as now.” According to him the ambassadors of the 28 countries of the Alliance and representatives of Russia intend to discuss the situation in Ukraine (in particular the implementation of the Minsk agreements), in Afghanistan. Separately will be raised subject to the passage of Russian bombers over the American ship in the Baltic sea. In the West such acts are deemed “unprofessional and unsafe”.
“NATO wants to revive the “cold war” and arms race”, – said the NATO Secretary General in response to criticism from Moscow that NATO is unjustifiably increased their presence in the Baltic States. After the beginning of the Ukrainian crisis, the Alliance is actively conducting exercises in Eastern Europe and the Baltic States, creates a store of weapons and military equipment. According to Stoltenberg, “it is a defensive, proportionate response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.”
