DISINFO: NATO’s anti-Russian orientation is enshrined in its doctrine
DISINFORMATION CASE DETAILS
  • Outlet: sputnik-ossetia.ru (archived)*
  • Date of publication: January 21, 2022
  • Article language(s): Russian
  • Reported in: Issue 270
  • Countries / regions discussed: Russia
Tags:
NATO Anti-Russian Encircling Russia EU/NATO enlargement

DISINFO: NATO’s anti-Russian orientation is enshrined in its doctrine

SUMMARY

Moscow is fundamentally against the expansion of NATO, because the anti-Russian orientation of NATO is enshrined in the doctrine of the alliance.

RESPONSE

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative, claiming that NATO is a hostile military bloc whose main objective is to inflict harm on Russia.

NATO is a defensive alliance, whose primary aims are to maintain peace and safeguard the independence, security and territorial integrity of its members. Moreover, NATO poses no threat to Russia. During the Warsaw summit in July 2016, NATO made it clear that "The Alliance does not seek confrontation and poses no threat to Russia". This was also reaffirmed in the Brussels Summit Communiqué of 14 June 2021.

For more than two decades NATO has worked to build a partnership with Russia, including through the NATO-Russia Council (NRC). However, in March 2014, in response to Russia's aggressive actions against Ukraine, NATO suspended practical cooperation with Russia. The Alliance does not seek confrontation, but also cannot ignore Russia breaking international rules, undermining geopolitical stability and security.

Furthermore, the claim about NATO “expansion” misrepresents the process of NATO enlargement. NATO does not “expand” but considers the applications of candidate countries that want to join exercising their free will to decide their alliance affiliation. Decisions regarding NATO membership are up to each individual applicant and the 30 NATO Allies. Russia has no right to intervene and cannot veto such a process.

Read more myths and disinformation narratives claiming that NATO is a hostile bloc to Russia.

Embed

Related disinfo cases

Disclaimer

Cases in the EUvsDisinfo database focus on messages in the international information space that are identified as providing a partial, distorted, or false depiction of reality and spread key pro-Kremlin messages. This does not necessarily imply, however, that a given outlet is linked to the Kremlin or editorially pro-Kremlin, or that it has intentionally sought to disinform. EUvsDisinfo publications do not represent an official EU position, as the information and opinions expressed are based on media reporting and analysis of the East Stratcom Task Force.

    Your opinion matters!

    Data Protection Information *

      Subscribe to the Disinfo Review

      Your weekly update on pro-Kremlin disinformation

      Data Protection Information *

      The Disinformation Review is sent through Mailchimp.com. See Mailchimp’s privacy policy and find out more on how EEAS protects your personal data.