Russia and NATO balancing on the brink of military conflict has been a hot topic ever since 2014 when the bilateral ties were frozen as a result of the events in Ukraine. Heightened tensions, arms control erosion and a plethora of divisive issues negatively affect the bilateral relationship, with misunderstanding and frustration hindering any attempts to turn the tide.
War preparations are on the way. Last year, NATO rejected Russia’s initiatives to ease tensions in Europe. Some moves of NATO members aimed at boosting first strike capability go almost unnoticed by media, for instance, the acquisition by Poland of air-to-surface long-range cruise missiles. The US-initiated B-61-12 life extension program (LEP) puts into question the prospects for arms control in Europe.
Incidents caused by dangerous maneuvering and provocative exercises have become frequent. Last year, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, then Germany’s Foreign Minister, accused the alliance of warmongering against Russia. He spoke out against NATO military exercises in Poland and the Baltic States, describing them as saber-rattling. The one thing we shouldn’t do now is inflame the situation with loud saber-rattling and warmongering, the foreign minister told Bild am Sonntag newspaper. Anyone who thinks a symbolic tank parade on the alliance’s eastern border will bring security is wrong, he noted.
This post was published at Zero Hedge on Mar 7, 2017.
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