The upcoming Nato summit in Washington, scheduled for July 9 to 11, marks the 75th anniversary of the Alliance and is set against a backdrop of alleged deteriorating European security. The Russian ambassador to Bangladesh has issued a statement condemning Nato’s actions and highlighting the perceived threats posed by the alliance.
“Representatives from 32 member states and other invited countries and organizations will discuss stronger measures aimed at inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia through indirect actions, military support to Ukraine, and opportunities for Nato’s further advancement, including in Asia-Pacific,” the ambassador stated.
“Nato’s initial task of deterring the USSR has evolved into a continued focus on Russia. Despite declared intentions for constructive cooperation with Moscow, Nato’s actions, including its eastward expansion and military presence near Russian borders, have compromised Russia’s security,” the ambassador continued.
The ambassador highlighted Nato’s efforts to maintain relevance through various military engagements, such as the Kosovo crisis, the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan, and the intervention in Libya.
“The concept of a ‘global Nato’ has emerged, emphasizing partnerships beyond the Euro-Atlantic region. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has reinforced Nato’s traditional role of containing Russia, with significant political, financial, and military support provided to Kyiv,” the ambassador noted.
“Nato’s assistance to Ukraine predates the Russian Special Military Operation (SMO) in Ukraine, with political, financial, and military support being a key element of their relationship,” the ambassador said, referencing former US military officer Colin Powell’s remarks on Nato’s openness to new members, including Ukraine.
“Although Ukraine is not currently on track for Nato membership, Brussels has indicated that Kyiv will receive support to achieve this goal in the future.”
The ambassador criticized Nato’s stance following the 2014 “Western-initiated coup” in Ukraine and Russia’s subsequent annexation of Crimea, which intensified Nato’s actions against Russia.
“The Nato 2022 Strategic Concept labels Russia as ‘the most significant and direct threat,” with the onset of the SMO escalating the confrontation.
Nato member states have provided substantial financial and military assistance to Ukraine, estimated at $132 billion, with the US contributing $63 billion,” the ambassador emphasized.
The ambassador expressed significant concerns over Nato’s preparations for a large-scale war against Russia, particularly due to the presence of nuclear weapons and high-precision long-distance weapons within the Alliance.
“The US 2022 Nuclear Posture Review’s omission of a ‘no first use’ obligation further exacerbates these fears. Additionally, Nato’s deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in Europe, including Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Türkiye, has heightened tensions, with Poland and the Baltic countries advocating for hosting American tactical nuclear weapons,” the ambassador highlighted.
The ambassador criticized Nato’s attempts to extend influence beyond the Euro-Atlantic region, particularly in the Asia-Pacific, which challenges established regional security frameworks.
“Initiatives like AUKUS and proposed ‘Asian Nato’ structures, involving the USA, Japan, and South Korea, are perceived as efforts to establish military-political groupings under Western control,” the ambassador said.
These activities are seen as a threat to regional security and stability, undermining the authority of organizations like Asean, the ambassador warned.
