The tensions between NATO and Russia are very high (1962 Cuban missile crisis level) after failed diplomatic talks last week. The Russians have further increased the military presence at the border with Ukraine and moved troops into Belarus at the border with Poland and Lithuania. An invasion of Ukraine is quite likely. Especially after the Russians living in the separatist republics (Luhansk; Donetsk) (from the territory of Ukraine) already received Russian passports, so now Russia can motivate an intervention to defend the interests of its own citizens.
What does Russia want?
- Ukraine cannot join NATO.
- NATO to move its troops from the Baltic states and Poland.
- NATO to not deploy missiles in Poland and Romania.
- To unify Russians and Ukrainians into “one nation”.
Will NATO accept Russia’s wishes? To put it shortly, no.
What is NATO doing and planning to do soon?
- Military support for Ukraine (equipment, weapons, etc.).
- Economic sanctions against Russia.
- Latvia proposed to disconnect Russia’s banking system from SWIFT.
- Germany threatened to not use the newly built “Nord Stream 2” gas pipeline.
