A United Front Against Russia
Tensions between Ukraine and Russia have reached new heights. Russian troops are increasing their presence on the border between the two nations since October 2021. While the Kremlin claims it has no intentions of conducting a military invasion, Russia has a questionable track record, having seized Ukrainian territory in the Crimean Peninsula less than a decade ago. With an estimated 100,000 Russian troops currently positioned at the border, the international community remains skeptical.
Vladimir Putin claims that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is “undermining regional security.” In mid-December, Moscow released a set of security demands from the alliance. Putin requested that Ukraine and other former Soviet states never be allowed to join NATO. Moreover, he requested that the West minimize its military presence in Eastern Europe, returning NATO to its pre-1997 size: a coalition of only Western states.
NATO and its partners have responded with a joint agenda against Moscow’s demands, prolonging economic sanctions and providing resources, such as weaponry, and military support to countries near Ukraine. For example, Sweden and Denmark have strengthened their military presence in the territories around the Baltic Sea. Allies like Spain, the Netherlands, France, and the United States, are sending ships and fighter jets to NATO deployments in Eastern Europe. "We will not allow anyone to slam closed NATOS's open-door policy." said U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman. NATO is not backing down, and they are making the message loud and clear.
Moscow’s demands point towards a clear goal of minimizing Western influence in Eastern Europe to maximize Russia’s power and control in the region. Last year, Putin called Russians and Ukranians “one people,” referring to the close cultural and historical ties between the two countries. Despite pressures from Moscow, Ukraine is pursuing an agenda that does not fully align with Putin’s intentions. Prior to its push for NATO membership, Ukraine attempted to affiliate itself with the European Union (EU) about a decade ago through an Association Agreement. In response, Russia imposed strong trade restrictions, pressuring Ukraine to abandon the treaty before signing and strengthening relations with Russia instead. Protests in support of the EU erupted throughout the nation, showing the changing tides in the region.
In 2014, Ukraine’s pro-Russian president, Viktor Yanukovych, fled the country with the support of Putin and Russia annexed Ukraine’s southern Crimean peninsula. The fighting has continued since, with over 14,000 lives being taken in the crisis. Concerns remain that if Ukraine aligns itself with NATO, Russia will follow a similar policy in the current standoff - a situation that may result in war between Russia and NATO countries. The response from NATO and allies has been strong and united. A well-strategized reaction to Russia’s attack could even benefit the NATO bloc, as seen in Finland and Sweden, where the debate about joining the organization has reignited. These are regions where Putin has been working to make certain NATO’s door is tightly closed shut. There is a hopeful possibility for the future.
NATO has declared that it has no intention of sending its troops to Ukraine in case of a Russian invasion. Though the two are close partners, Ukraine is not yet part of the security alliance. Ideally, a smooth agreement between Ukraine, NATO, Russia, and other regional powers can be found to settle the dispute, and all sides of the conflict have been open to discussion thus far. The organization, with the support of the United States, is ready to conduct negotiations with Moscow once Putin lightens his presence in Ukraine. The mission of finding a peaceful resolution is an united goal; therefore, it requires a strong, united front.
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