Expert Claims Russia's Actions Encourage NATO Expansion Despite Discomfort
(MENAFN) According to Nicola Pedde, the director of the Institute for Global Studies (IGS) based in Rome and Brussels, Russia's discomfort with NATO expansion has paradoxically served to encourage the enlargement of the alliance. Pedde noted that Finland and Sweden's interest in joining NATO has been largely driven by Russia's actions in Ukraine and its threat to their traditional independence in Northern Europe. Pedde argued that Russia's fear of NATO enlargement is nonsensical, as it is a consequence of its own invasion of Ukraine, which has led to a change in the posture of neighboring countries.
Pedde's comments suggest that Russia's actions have had the opposite effect of what it intended. Instead of discouraging NATO expansion, it has actually encouraged countries to seek protection under the alliance. This view is supported by the growing interest of Finland and Sweden in joining NATO, which is partly driven by their need to counter Russia's aggressive behavior in the region.
Pedde also commented on the upcoming NATO summit in Lithuania, which will be attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He suggested that the summit would be successful for Zelenskyy, but he did not expect any significant changes in NATO's posture or the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Pedde emphasized that NATO was not part of the Russia-Ukraine war and would not be part of it, but he did express support for the defense of Ukraine and the military efforts of the Ukrainian government.
Overall, Pedde's comments highlight the complex dynamics at play in the relationship between Russia and NATO. While Russia is uncomfortable with NATO expansion, its actions have provoked neighboring countries to seek protection under the alliance. Despite this, NATO remains committed to defending its member states and supporting Ukraine in its efforts to defend itself against Russian aggression. The upcoming NATO summit in Lithuania will provide an important opportunity for leaders to discuss these issues and explore ways to address the ongoing conflict in the region.
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