Politics
Estonia delivers Javelin anti-tank missiles to Ukraine
According to Reuters Estonia delivered U.S.-made Javelin anti-tank missiles to Ukraine on Friday, the Estonian defence ministry said. "At the moment, these missiles are more useful for Estonia's security in defence of Ukraine rather than at a live fire exercise on an Estonian training area," Lieutenant General Martin Herem, Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces, said in a statement. "This is a small step by Estonia in support of Ukraine, but it is a real and tangible contribution to defence against Russian aggression." The shoulder-operated medium-range missiles guide themselves after launching, allowing the shooter to take cover, according to the ministry. NATO members Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania said on Jan. 21 they will provide Ukraine with U.S.-made anti-armour and anti-aircraft missiles, days after receiving clearance from the U.S. State Department to send U.S.-made missiles and other weapons there.
Biden and other European leaders say Russia’s military build-up in and around Ukraine is continuing, despite claims by Moscow of a drawdown
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Friday took part in a secure conference call organised by the President of the United States Joe Biden on Russia’s continued military build-up in and around Ukraine and continued efforts to pursue diplomacy. According to the NATO press service the call also included British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, Polish President Andrzej Duda, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, as well as the President of the European Council Charles Michel and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. The NATO Secretary General updated his colleagues on efforts at NATO to pursue dialogue with Russia and provide assurance to Allies. Participants stressed that Russia’s military build-up in and around Ukraine is continuing, despite claims by Moscow of a drawdown, and reiterated their strong call on Russia to resolve this crisis through diplomacy and dialogue, while stressing their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Secretary General recalled that NATO sent Russia concrete proposals in January, as well as his invitation for further meetings of the NATO-Russia Council to discuss European security, including the situation in and around Ukraine. At the same time, Mr Stoltenberg stressed that, as a defensive Alliance, NATO is doing what is necessary to protect and defend all Allies.
Pentagon chief warns Shoigu against further escalation around Ukraine
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has warned Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu against escalating tensions around Ukraine and called on him to withdraw Russian troops from the Ukrainian border to their permanent bases. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the phone call between the two ministers took place on Friday, Ukrinform reports. "On February 18, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Russian Minister of Defense Sergey Shoigu. Secretary Austin called for deescalation, the return of Russian forces surrounding Ukraine to their home bases, and a diplomatic resolution," the Pentagon said in a press release. As was reported earlier, Russia continues to mass more than 150,000 troops around Ukraine's borders. Meanwhile, the United States and NATO are continuing to strengthen Ukraine's and Allies' defenses on the eastern flank in response to threats from Russia. Austin is on a visit to Poland on Friday, February 18. In a joint press conference with his Polish counterpart, the Pentagon chief said that the entire North Atlantic Alliance supports Ukraine, as well as the country's right to follow its chosen path.
NATO Defence Ministers reaffirm their strong commitment to open door policy, and the importance of partnerships
NATO Defence Ministers “met with our close partners Ukraine and Georgia; we addressed the continued threat of Russian aggression, the deteriorating security situation in the Black Sea region, and NATO’s strong political and practical support for both countries,” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said. “Allies confirmed that NATO’s door remains open; any decision on NATO membership is for NATO Allies and aspirant countries to take; nobody else,” he added. “NATO Allies restated their strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both Georgia and Ukraine. We cannot accept a return to an age of spheres of influence, where big powers bully, intimidate, or dictate to others. There can be no decisions about Ukraine without Ukraine; and no decisions about Georgia without Georgia,” the Secretary General highlighted. In the final session of this ministerial, NATO Defence Ministers also met with the Defence Ministers of Finland and Sweden and with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission. NATO considering new battlegroups in eastern Europe after ‘no sign’ of Russian de-escalation
NATO Secretary General: Russia’s build-up the most serious crisis in decades
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Tuesday (15 February 2022) stated there are signs from Moscow that diplomacy should continue, saying that this “gives grounds for cautious optimism”. At the same time, the Secretary General stressed that there is no indication of any de-escalation on the ground. “Russia has amassed a fighting force in and around Ukraine, unprecedented since the Cold War”, Mr Stoltenberg said ahead of a meeting of NATO Defence Ministers. “Everything is now in place for a new attack, but Russia still has time to step back from the brink”, Mr Stoltenberg said, urging Russia “to stop preparing for war and start working for a peaceful solution to the crisis.”
Romania joins NATO’s most successful munition cooperation framework
NATO’s Air Battle Decisive Munitions (ABDM) High Visibility Project welcomed Romania as its fifteenth participant. A signing ceremony, led by Mircea Geoană, NATO Deputy Secretary General, Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos, Minister of National Defence of the ABDM’s lead nation – Greece, and Vasile Dîncu, Minister of National Defence of Romania, took place in the margins of the Meeting of NATO Defence Ministers in Brussels. The ABDM initiative has been giving Allies access to critical air-launched munitions under more favorable conditions since its start in 2014. The NATO Deputy Secretary General said: “[ABDM] has already lived up to this promise since 2018. Through innovative acquisition strategies, participants have reduced their cost for precision guided munitions by 15 to 20 percent. In response to urgent operational requirements, they were able to cut down delivery timelines by up to one year. At the same time, they significantly improved the interoperability and shareability of their stockpiles, making NATO troops a more unified force in operations”. Romania officially joined the other participants - Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Biden says Russian attack on Ukraine still possible
President Joe Biden urged Russia to step back from the brink of war on Tuesday and said reports that Russia has withdrawn some forces from the Ukraine border have not been verified. “To the citizens of Russia: you are not our enemy, and I don’t believe you want a bloody, destructive war against Ukraine," Biden said in nationally televised remarks from the White House. According to Reuters, Biden said the United States is "not seeking direct confrontation with Russia" but that if Russia were to attack Americans in Ukraine, "We will respond forcefully." Biden said the United States and its NATO allies are prepared for whatever happens and that Russia will pay a steep economic price if Moscow launches an invasion. He said a Russian attack on Ukraine remains a possibility and reports that some Russian forces have moved away from the Ukraine border have not yet been verified by the United States. "We are ready to respond decisively to a Russian attack on Ukraine, which remains very much a possibility," Biden.
EXCLUSIVE: The U.S. along with its allies and partners, is prepared to respond in a coordinated manner if Russia invades Ukraine, the U.S. State Department says
The US, along with its allies and partners, is prepared to respond in a coordinated and harsh manner if Russia invades Ukraine. A State Department spokesperson spoke exclusively to Europetime about the possibility of a Russian invasion of Ukraine. On February 11, US President Biden called for all US citizens to leave Ukraine immediately. According to the media, Russia may have decided to invade Ukraine, and this might happen in the next hours. Is there a clear plan in place in response to Russia that was developed with the cooperation and unity of all partners, including the EU, NATO, and the G7? Europetime sent a question to the US Department of State in this regard. „We are united against what Russian is contemplating and are united in our commitment to impose severe consequences on Russia’s economy, even as each of us makes use of our own authorities and tools to impose them. Look no further than the public comments by the leaders of the G7, the EU, and NATO“, - the U.S. State Department said. Russia could invade Ukraine „at any time“ and American citizens should leave immediately, the US has warned. An invasion could start with aerial bombing that would make departures difficult and endanger civilians, the White House said on Friday. The US statement prompted countries around the world to issue fresh warnings to nationals in Ukraine. The UK, Australia, Canada and the Netherlands are among those urging citizens to leave as soon as possible. However, attempts to deescalate tensions through diplomacy are set to continue on Saturday, with both US President Joe Biden and France's President Emmanuel Macron due to speak to Russia's Vladimir Putin by phone. Moscow has repeatedly denied any plans to invade Ukraine despite massing more than 100,000 troops near the border.
Javier Colomina: The NATO-Georgia Exercise 2022 will also provide a platform to test and consolidate the Georgian Defence Forces’ ability to perform crisis management tasks
The NATO-Georgia Exercise 2022 provides an opportunity for NATO allies and partner countries to share experience, skills, and know-how with the Georgian Defense Forces, as well as to further develop their command and control capabilities and ability to operate effectively alongside forces from other NATO member and partner countries. The exercise will also provide a platform to test and consolidate the Georgian Defence Forces’ ability to perform crisis management tasks, - NATO Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia, Javier Colomina, said in a comment to Europetime. „Georgia is one of the Alliance’s closest partners and continues to benefit from both political and practical support from NATO. Among others, practical cooperation includes working together with the NATO Command Structure in order to strengthen Georgia’s defence capabilities and interoperability with the Alliance. Thanks to this cooperation - which has over the years been further bolstered through the Substantial NATO-Georgia Package - Georgian Defence Forces are more capable and NATO interoperable than ever before. NATO Joint Force Training Centre (JFTC) has been providing support to the NATO-Georgia Joint Training and Evaluation Centre (JTEC) since 2016. JTEC provides training and evaluation to Georgian and international forces aimed at enhancing Georgia’s defence capabilities, increasing its interoperability with NATO, and contributing to strengthening regional and international security. As such, the NATO Joint Force Training Centre, together with LANDCOM, has been supporting JTEC in preparing and conducting the NATO-Georgia Exercises. The NATO-Georgia Exercise 2022 constitutes an opportunity for NATO Allies and partner nations to share experience, skills and know-how with Georgian Defence Forces and to further develop their command and control capabilities and their ability to operate effectively alongside forces from other NATO member and partner countries. The exercise will also provide a platform to test and consolidate the Georgian Defence Forces’ ability to perform crisis management tasks, through a comprehensive approach based on cooperation with a range of civilian and military actors, including international organizations and non-governmental organizations. This exercise is a routine multinational crisis response exercise that takes place every three years. The NATO-Georgia Exercise 2022 is conducted transparently, in close cooperation with NATO structures, according to NATO procedures and with full respect of international obligations“, - Javier Colomina said. Georgia will host the 2022 NATO-Georgia Exercise for the third time in March, with the defence manoeuvres set to be led by the Georgian Defence Forces and involve alliance and partner countries, the defence ministry announced on Tuesday.
The United States has delivered to Georgia equipment worth more than $1.2 million
According to the US embassy, the United States is actively helping Georgia to build its capacity to detect the presence of weapons of mass destruction and respond to those threats. „We just delivered to the Georgian Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Internal Affairs equipment worth more than $1.2 million. This is part of an ongoing multi-year support to equipment and training program led by the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency. It complements ongoing efforts by the U.S. Export Control and Border Security Program to work with Georgian partners to prevent the proliferation of these weapons and related materials and systems. This and other security and defense cooperation projects strengthen the resilience of the government and its capacity to provide security to the people of Georgia and improve the overall security of the Black Sea region“, - the US embassy said.
British PM: It wouldn’t just be Ukraine to be drawn back into the Russian sphere of influence. You’re going to think about Georgia, Moldova
The UK is a firm and enduring ally of Ukraine and a supporter of Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty and integrity. It is vital that Russia steps back and chooses a path of diplomacy. That’s according to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who spoke at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Tuesday, February 1, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. According to him, the current time is "critical and decisive", which is why all the measures to deter Russia, which is introduced by the United Kingdom, are important. „What is happening now is that President Putin, Russia are trying to undermine those immense gains and to redraw the security map of Europe, to impose a new Yalta, new zones of influence. And it wouldn’t just be Ukraine to be drawn back into the Russian sphere of influence. You’re going to think about Georgia, Moldova, and other countries. This is absolutely critical, this moment. It’s vital that we stand together with Ukraine in the way that we are," the British Prime Minister said.
Blinken says U.S. responds to Russia's demands, seeks dialogue
The United States delivered written replies on Wednesday to sweeping Russian security demands, a key step in a fragile diplomatic process as Russia staged new military drills on land and sea near Ukraine. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the document, handed over in person by U.S. ambassador to Moscow John Sullivan, addressed Russia's concerns and raised those of the United States and its allies. He told reporters the response sets out a serious diplomatic path forward, should Russia choose it, and has a principled and pragmatic evaluation of the concerns Moscow has raised. He added that the United States was open to dialogue. "Putting things in writing is ... a good way to make sure we're as precise as possible, and the Russians understand our positions, our ideas, as clearly as possible. Right now, the document is with them and the ball is in their court," he said. Washington has made clear that Russian demands for NATO to pull back troops and weapons from eastern Europe and bar Ukraine from ever joining are non-starters, but says it is ready to discuss other topics such as arms control and confidence-building measures. Whether President Vladimir Putin is prepared to accept that limited agenda will determine the next phase of the crisis, in which Moscow has massed around 100,000 troops near the border with Ukraine while denying it plans to invade. Reuters
President Tokayev won, but he owes his position to Russia - Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili Associate Professor
Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili Associate Professor, Director of the Center for Governance and Markets sums up the developments in Kazakhstan in an interview with Europe Time. What outcomes have the country, how did the internal power struggle end, and how are the interests of this or that country expressed there. These issues are being discussed in an interview with Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili whose field of activity includes Central Asia, among other areas. ET: In your opinion, what is the current state of influence in Central Asia? The US has no clear strategy in Central Asia. Right now, it is not clear what US interests are. So, since the US withdrew from Afghanistan, it is not clear what US policy is or what US strategy is. Both Russia and China have a strong mutual interest in Central Asia. This is not a competing interest; they have a mutual interest. Russia is providing security, and China is providing infrastructure and economic development. So the division of neighbors seems to be between Russia and China. ET: Experts point to the internal struggle: what brought the protest and what was its origin? This was a protest about internal issues that started out as a peaceful protest over energy prices. President Tokayev called on Russia to protect and help his position because he did not trust the security services. The security services were under the control of Nazarbayev. So, we saw some kind of little struggle between Nazarbaev`s people and the Tokayev`s people. And they took advantage of the protests to side with one another. ET: What was the outcome? The result is that Tokayev won. He took control of the security services. He invited Russia to strengthen his position. Now he is moving Nazarbaev's family members from different positions of power. They control a lot of wealth and resources. Kazakhstan is a country of oil and gas, and the Nazarbaev family has been appointed to many different positions. This means that Tokayev has put his people in, but he is now dependent on Russia. So, Tokayev called for CSTO or Russian troops. NowTokayev is in charge, but he owes his position to Russia. ET: When we talk about the `outcomes`, the increasing influence of Russia has probably become even more visible. Yes, absolutely. Russia's influence is increasing in Central Asia. They have seven thousand troops in Tajikistan, several hundred troops in Kirgistan, and are already in Kazakhstan. I do not think that Russia was looking for this opportunity. It was unexpected, but the withdrawal of the United States now creates competition, and Russia and China quickly feel the space left by the US.
Johnson: UK would boost Nato troops if Ukraine invaded
Britain is prepared to deploy troops to protect Nato allies in Europe if Russia invades Ukraine, Boris Johnson has said in a Commons statement. The prime minister warned that President Putin would face "ferocious" Ukrainian resistance and "many Russian mothers' sons will not be coming home". The UK and its allies would also respond swiftly and "in unison" with "severe" economic sanctions, he added. Russia, which denies plans to invade, has built up troops at the border. Some 100,000 Russian soldiers have been deployed. The US has put 8,500 troops on alert to deploy at short notice, which Russia said caused it "great concern". Members of the Nato alliance, including Denmark, Spain, Bulgaria and the Netherlands, are sending more fighter jets and warships to Eastern Europe to bolster defences in the region.
NATO Secretary General has invited all members of the NATO-Russia Council to a series of further meetings
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg took part in a virtual meeting organised by the President of the United States Joe Biden on Russia’s continued military build-up in and around Ukraine and its implications for European and international security. The meeting also included British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, Polish President Andrzej Duda, representing the Chairmanship of the OSCE, as well as the President of the European Council Charles Michel and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. Participants stressed the importance of unity at this critical time and made clear that any further Russian aggression against Ukraine would come at a high cost. Secretary General Stoltenberg recalled NATO’s consistent dual-track approach towards Russia: strong deterrence and defence, combined with dialogue. He welcomed the additional defensive deployments by NATO Allies to the eastern part of the Alliance, and stressed the need to continue improving NATO’s situational awareness and to enhance collective defence and deterrence in view of the current security situation. Leaders also agreed on the importance of continued dialogue with Russia. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has invited all members of the NATO-Russia Council to a series of further meetings to discuss European security, including the situation in and around Ukraine, NATO-Russia relations, and arms control and non-proliferation.
US places up to 8,500 troops on alert for possible deployment to Eastern Europe
As many as 8,500 US troops have been put on heightened alert for a possible deployment to Eastern Europe as Russian troops mass on Ukraine's border, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Monday.US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin issued the prepare to deploy orders at the direction of President Joe Biden. Kirby said that the bulk of US troops placed on heightened alert was intended to bolster NATO's quick response force, but said Austin also wanted to be postured to be ready for any other contingencies as well. „The United States has taken steps to heighten the readiness of its forces at home and abroad, so they are prepared to respond to a range of contingencies, including support to the NATO response force if it is activated“, Kirby said. He noted the NATO Response Force "comprises around 40,000 multinational troops."
European security situation: notions of ‘spheres of influence’ have no place in the 21st century
The Council has approved conclusions on the European security situation, asserting that European security is indivisible and that any challenge to the European security order affects the security of the EU and its member states. In its conclusions, the Council condemns Russia’s continued aggressive actions and threats against Ukraine, and it calls on Russia to de-escalate, abide by international law and engage constructively in dialogue through the established international mechanisms. As stated by the EU heads of state and government at the European Council meeting in December 2021, any further military aggression by Russia against Ukraine will have massive consequences and severe costs. The EU confirms its unwavering support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and other Eastern Neighbourhood partners within their internationally recognised borders, and it calls on Russia to re-engage constructively in existing international frameworks for the sustainable and peaceful resolution of conflicts. The Council reaffirms the united approach of the EU and the ongoing strong cooperation and coordination with the United States, NATO, Ukraine and other partner countries. It reiterates the importance of further strengthening the resilience and response capabilities of the EU and its close partners, including in countering cyber and hybrid attacks, foreign information manipulation and interference, including disinformation.
US carrier strike group comes under NATO command in the Mediterranean
GAETA, Italy – Today (24 January 2022), Allied ships from the NATO Naval Striking and Support Forces Command and the U.S. Sixth Fleet initiated a series of patrolling activities across the Mediterranean Sea, within the framework of “Neptune Strike 2022.” Neptune Strike is a long-planned effort. It will be carried out until 4 February, and features the deployment of the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier aircraft carrier, along with its carrier strike group and air wing. Neptune Strike 2022 highlights NATO’s ability to integrate the high-end maritime capabilities of a carrier strike group to ensure high operational readiness across the Alliance and the defence and protection of all Allies. It is the first time since the Cold War that a full US carrier group comes under NATO command. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the move, calling it “a strong sign of transatlantic unity.” He added: “NATO will always do what is necessary to protect and defend all Allies.” Neptune Strike 2022 is the execution phase of a long series of activities known as Project Neptune, conceptualized in 2020. The activity focuses on overcoming the complexities of integrating command and control of a carrier strike group to NATO. Previous events in the Neptune series include table-top exercises at SIXTHFLT headquarters in Naples, Italy, last year, and a STRIKFORNATO embark in 2021 aboard Mount Whitney called Neptune Challenge. Neptune Challenge integrated the two staffs aboard Mount Whitney in the Black Sea and developed the necessary procedures enabling the successful start of Neptune Strike. "Neptune Challenge gave our staffs an incredible opportunity to learn and grow together aboard our flagship, Mount Whitney," said Rear Adm. James Morley, deputy commander, STRIKFORNATO. "The lessons we took from Neptune Challenge led directly into our execution of Neptune Strike, and I look forward to watching this combined team work to command and control high-end forces in real time." SIXTHFLT, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa. STRIKFORNATO, headquartered in Oeiras, Portugal, is Supreme Allied Commander Europe's (SACEUR) premier, rapidly deployable and flexible, maritime power projection Headquarters, capable of planning and executing full-spectrum joint maritime operations.
NATO Allies send more ships, jets to enhance deterrence and defence in eastern Europe
NATO Allies are putting forces on standby and sending additional ships and fighter jets to NATO deployments in eastern Europe, reinforcing Allied deterrence and defence as Russia continues its military build-up in and around Ukraine. In the past few days, a number of Allies have made announcements regarding current or upcoming deployments. Denmark is sending a frigate to the Baltic Sea and is set to deploy four F-16 fighter jets to Lithuania in support of NATO’s long-standing air-policing mission in the region. Spain is sending ships to join NATO naval forces and is considering sending fighter jets to Bulgaria. France has expressed its readiness to send troops to Romania under NATO command. The Netherlands is sending two F-35 fighter aircraft to Bulgaria from April to support NATO’s air-policing activities in the region and is putting ship and land-based units on standby for NATO’s Response Force. The United States has also made clear that it is considering increasing its military presence in the eastern part of the Alliance. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said: “I welcome Allies contributing additional forces to NATO. NATO will continue to take all necessary measures to protect and defend all Allies, including by reinforcing the eastern part of the Alliance. We will always respond to any deterioration of our security environment, including through strengthening our collective defence.” NATO is a defensive Alliance. In response to Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, NATO increased its presence in the eastern part of the alliance, including with four multinational battlegroups in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. These units, led by the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and the United States respectively, are multinational, and combat-ready. Their presence makes clear that an attack on one Ally will be considered an attack on the whole Alliance. There were no NATO forces in the eastern part of the Alliance before 2014.
Russia may use its forces to play muscles to raise the political stakes in negotiations - Hanna Shelest
Tensions over Ukraine are getting worse. Experts discuss the real danger of conflict. The world awaits written responses from the US and Russia to their suggestions, while intelligence services from several countries point to the Kremlin's clear plan to destabilize Ukraine. According to reports, the British government received information on the Russian government's plans to establish a pro-Russian leader in Kyiv. In an interview with Europe Time Hanna Shelest, Director of Security Programmes at Foreign Policy Council “Ukrainian Prism” discussed Ukraine's expectations and topics on how they analyze threats. ET: Let me start with the Associated Trio, as this was a topic you and your coworkers were discussing. Why is this format so crucial right now? It is an important issue from a political point of view because it is always easier to advocate for some changes or positions when it is not just one country. A louder voice and a strong position are important and need coordination. All three countries have association agreements. We have ambitions for EU integration, but at the same time, we have very practical issues to move forward in relations with the EU, such as roaming-free agreements, open sky, etc., that can be promoted. And also, we have our individual tracks. In addition, these states are sharing threats and risks inside the country as well as external threats. When we have three presidents coming and talking, it definitely has more value and more power in Brussels than single approaches. In some ways, it also reminds many European countries of the Visegrad countries' path, with similar goals and decisions. So, for some Western European countries, it is certainly a positive reminder of that path of European integration, and it can help in promoting A3 integration. ET: The context is critical right now, especially in light of the ongoing processes in Ukraine. The countries are continually threatened by Russia. The question is how the countries share the perceptions of threats. And how they see their future. Moldova is a neutral country. Ukraine and Georgia would like to become NATO members and are searching for a NATO mechanism for protection and cooperation, while Moldova has its cooperation with NATO at a certain level. As a result, three countries see this format of the Association Trio as promoting political and economic stability rather than security issues. Perhaps when we discuss security concerns such as resilience, cyber issues, or critical infrastructures, those issues can be considered in relations with the EU? Hard security and conflict are not topics for which the European Union is ready to work at the same level as these countries would like to. ET: Special attention is being paid to Ukraine right now, where there is an unprecedented concentration of Russian forces along its borders; your colleagues also mentioned the danger of conflict; you represent this country (Ukraine), and I'm concerned about your view. The risk of war has been high for eight years. The question is that now the scale of the Russian build-up is much greater than before. At the same time, they may use these forces to play muscles - to raise the political stakes in negotiations. So they bring in more forces and more strategic weapons just to demonstrate that they are serious about their request. So, in this way, we should not be panicking. We must be determined to protect ourselves and maintain contact with our allies in order to send a signal to Russia that we are not alone. ET: What's your opinion about the accelerating membership process of NATO in the face of Russian aggression? The problem is that we still have the biggest fear of many European countries that do not support the immediate membership of Ukraine and Georgia that, by this act, they would provoke Russia. They are afraid to give us MAP for fear of being attacked. But Russia is already considering NATO as a threat, and it has already provoked the conflict in Europe, and many raise a question, will it act like this if Ukraine and Georgia have had the membership action plans. Ukraine and Georgia should use each of their opportunities to increase practical cooperation. It does not matter how we name them, MAP, or annual national plan. What is important is the substance, to speak about the real plan of cooperation that will be on a level that we have never had before. I mean, to be almost members in terms of cooperation without formal membership. But at the same time, we are consistent in our statements about why we would like to have a membership, and it is not just protection from Russian aggression, as we are ready to contribute to Euro-Atlantic and European security. That is why many countries are waiting for us to be more than just security consumers; we need Article 5, but we also want to be security providers for other European countries. ET: What are your expectations from the talks between the US and its allies and Russia? We definitely expect at least a decrease in escalation and build-up at the Ukrainian border. We don’t believe that Russia will give up or that NATO will accept the Russian ultimatum. But if the level of tensions decreases and the conflict moves to the negotiation table, that will already be a good result. However, we do not have high expectations. Russia needs these talks both for domestic propaganda to show that they decide the future of Europe just between Moscow and Washington, as it used to be in Soviet times. And also, for international narratives promotion, making partners choose the side and some European states doubting whether Russia has reasons to behave like this.
