While NATO has played significant roles over the years, some of its decisions and actions have been a source of controversy and have played a role in shaping international relations with Russia. International relations are complex and multifaceted; thus,
various factors have contributed to the interactions between NATO and Russia.
Expansion of NATO:
The enlargement of NATO to include countries from Eastern Europe after the Cold War has been a contentious issue. Russia views the expansion of NATO as a security threat, as it perceives NATO’s presence closer to its borders as an encroachment on its traditional sphere of influence.
Kosovo Intervention:
Without a UN Security Council mandate, NATO’s intervention in the Kosovo conflict in 1999 raised concerns about the organization’s role in international affairs and its use of military force without explicit international authorization. Russia, a permanent member of the UN Security
Council, opposed the intervention.
Ukraine and Georgia:
NATO’s engagement with countries like Ukraine and Georgia, which Russia considers part of its near abroad, has led to tensions. The desire of these countries to seek NATO membership has been met with resistance from Russia, leading to conflicts over influence.
Missile Defense System:
NATO’s deployment of missile defense systems in Eastern Europe has been a contentious issue. While NATO insists that these systems are aimed at countering potential threats from rogue states, Russia sees them as a threat to its strategic capabilities.
Ukraine Crisis:
The annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 and the ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine have strained relations further. NATO has condemned Russia’s actions and supported Ukraine, leading to heightened tensions.
