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.