NATO doesn’t rule out reconsidering its strategy due to Crimea events 

NATO doesn’t rule out reconsidering its strategy due to Crimea events

NATO Deputy Secretary General Alexander Wershbow doesn’t rule out that the Alliance will have to reconsider its strategy due to Ukraine and Crimea events.

“Of course, we will have to assess the outcomes of the developments around Ukraine and maybe reconsider our strategy. We still believe the main challenges posed to not only our but also Russia’s security take place outside Europe. But if Russia casts doubt on the key principles of European security system as detailed in Helsinki Final Act and violates its own bilateral agreements as in Ukraine’s case, it will cause serious debates on what it means for NATO priorities.

Collective defense has always been the main goal of the Alliance. It may become a more priority one than some of the missions the Alliance was engaged in after cold war”, said Alexander Wershbow in his interview to “Kommersant” newspaper.

“None of NATO members is planning a direct military response. We support international efforts toward establishing a political dialogue between Russia and Ukraine with involvement of other countries. But Russia itself escalates the tension - both by its actions in Ukraine and sabre-rattling across the European part of its territory. We hope it will eventually opt for de-escalation and we will manage to minimize the losses of this very serious crisis”, concluded NATO Deputy Secretary General.