As Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, the world's most powerful military alliance stands on the sidelines. Assistance to Ukraine is given only in words, not in deeds, and is symbolically underpinned by the current NATO strategic concept, which still sees Russia as a friend and ally.
The current concept was adopted in 2010 at the Lisbon meeting of the Member States and spoke of NATO-Russia relations in a very positive light, "seeing Russia as a strategic partner of NATO in mitigating various threats, such as cooperation in defending European territory from ballistic missile attacks". Paradoxically, it is Russian missiles that are currently the biggest threat to Europe and the main reason why NATO immediately refused Ukraine's request to close the airspace over the war zone.
The only help NATO as an organization can give Ukraine is words, words, words. For example:
"NATO condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine - which is an independent, peaceful and democratic country, and a close NATO partner. The Alliance calls on President Putin to stop this war immediately, withdraw all his forces from Ukraine without conditions and engage in genuine diplomacy." In one of his latest statements, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg described the assistance provided to Ukraine: "Allies have been doing a lot. And are determined to do more. Now, and for the medium and longer term. To help the brave Ukrainians defend their homes and their country, and push back the invading forces." The keyword here is Allies, because the organization as such is incapable of action in this case. The NATO Strategic Concept does not call for anything other than exhortation and condemnation in the strongest possible terms.
One could say that it is not a big deal that the concept is wrong, but it was not rewritten after the first Russian invasion of Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea in 2014. NATO remained open to cooperation with Russia. And this concept still heralds:
"NATO-Russia cooperation is of strategic importance as it contributes to creating a common space of peace, stability and security. NATO poses no threat to Russia. On the contrary: we want to see a true strategic partnership between NATO and Russia, and we will act accordingly, with the expectation of reciprocity from Russia." And there is another important document that is basically legally defining Russia as a partner. This is the "Founding Act on Mutual Relations, Cooperation and Security between NATO and the Russian Federation." Also in force. So the papers and the reality are radically different at the moment. Russia is a real threat and should be written in documents as such. That is indeed the plan.
At the end of June, the Heads of State and Government of NATO Member States will meet in Madrid to adopt the new Strategic Concept. It will identify the security challenges currently facing the Alliance and the political and military tasks to be undertaken to address them. It is essential that Russia is defined as a source of threat in this document and that the defense of the eastern flank is further strengthened in the bloc's defense plans. This includes Latvia. The NATO European Force leadership is already preparing a proposal to this effect. While the most resolute condemnation of Russia is being expressed publicly by NATO, in the backrooms this determination is far from convincing. Some countries are also cautious about strengthening Baltic capabilities. The US political elite also has two opposing groups of opinion. It is therefore not surprising that our politicians are trying to maintain NATO's determination to reconsider its buddying with Russia. For example, on March 8, following a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Latvian President Egils Levits issued a statement that concluded by emphasizing the importance of the upcoming meeting:
"We also discussed preparations for the next NATO Summit in Madrid and the new NATO Strategic Concept to be adopted there.
It must take into account the new reality - that Russia is an aggressive country."
And there are similar conclusions from Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs after the Bucharest Nine meeting.
Discussing the agenda of the upcoming NATO Summit, including the endorsement of the next NATO Strategic Concept and NATO's long-term deterrence and defense measures, in particular on NATO's eastern flank, Rinkēvičs stressed that "A strong NATO collective defense remains crucial to deter Russia's aggressive actions in our region. At the Madrid Summit we look forward to concrete decisions and achievable short and long-term objectives, in particular on defense and deterrence on NATO's eastern flank." Regarding the NATO Strategic Concept, the Minister stressed that it is important for Latvia that it is comprehensive and that it reflects the strategic security environment in line with the real security situation.
So that condemnation in the strongest possible terms would not be NATO's only weapon if Russia invaded the Baltics.
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