MOSCOW, Apr 17 NATO due to situation in Ukraine is preparing for hostilities on its borders, writes The New York Times.
As explained by the publication, the alliance is moving from a strategy of containment through the threat of retaliation to a strategy of deterrence by prohibition. It implies more military personnel permanently on the border with Russia, greater integration of military plans between the US and allies, increased defense spending, and more detailed requirements for allies on what forces and equipment they should have.
>NATO's goal now is not only to step up its forces, but also to make them more visible to Moscow. The publication emphasized that the alliance has already sent troops from different countries to eight states near the border with Russia and is now considering the possibility of strengthening them.
As part of the new plans, Christopher Cavoli, the commander of the alliance's joint forces in Europe and the US European Command, is integrating the military plans of the United States and other allies for the first time since the Cold War, a senior NATO source said. The source added that the Americans have returned to Europe and are now «deciding with NATO how exactly the United States will defend Europe.»
Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine on February 24, 2022. President Vladimir Putin called its goal «the protection of people who have been subjected to bullying and genocide by the Kyiv regime for eight years.»
The President called the special operation a forced measure. He pointed out that Russia «was left no chance to do otherwise, security risks were created such that it was impossible to respond by other means.» According to him, Moscow has been trying for 30 years to agree with NATO on the principles of security in Europe, but in response it has faced either cynical deceit and lies, or attempts at pressure and blackmail. At the same time, the alliance, despite Moscow's protests, is steadily expanding and approaching the borders of Russia.