In the event of a direct threat to a NATO member state, triggering of Article 5 will be mandatory and non-negotiable, Admiral Rob Bauer, chairman of the NATO Military Committee, emphasized in an interview with LTV “Morning Panorama” on Thursday, March 28.
Bauer noted that NATO has been trying to build a constructive partnership with Russia for many years, but it has not succeeded, so in recent years Russia has been clearly identified as a threat to NATO, with the alliance changing its defense plans accordingly.
The admiral pointed out that Russia has been avoiding contacts with the West for a long time, especially since the start of the war against Ukraine, and NATO has not been able to negotiate with the leadership of the Russian army in recent years to try to de-escalate the situation through negotiations.
The threat created by Russia has forced NATO to strengthen its presence on the eastern flank, while strengthening other directions as well, Bauer reminded and emphasized that this strengthening of NATO was caused by Russia, and not the alliance itself choosing to develop a confrontation.
As Bauer emphasized, it is clear that the West must continue to help Ukraine repel the Russian attack. He admitted that it is difficult for Ukraine, but it is not easy for Russia either, which has suffered very heavy losses.
The admiral assessed that it is no longer a question of if, but when Ukraine will become a member of NATO.
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