In the Czech Republic, there was a strong reaction to Keith Kellogg’s statements regarding the possible halt of further NATO expansion
In response to recent remarks by a senior American diplomat, U.S. President’s special envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg, the Czech diplomacy issued a clear statement on its position regarding the prospect of further NATO enlargement to the east. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský emphasized in a social media post on X (Twitter) that further NATO expansion aligns with the security interests not only of the country but of the entire region, and most importantly, can help stabilize the situation in Europe. At the same time, he underscored that these decisions must also consider Russia’s geopolitical interests, noting that Russia tries to shape its security architecture in accordance with its own ambitions. “NATO expansion is a tool to support stability and security for neighboring countries, and there is currently no evidence that it threatens Russia. In fact, quite the opposite – where Russia borders NATO countries, conflicts are fewer, and peace is more stable. Where countries are not members of the Alliance, conflicts and tensions occur more frequently,” Lipavský remarked, highlighting that for Russia, the main security threat is the direct positioning of NATO military structures in neighboring countries. As a reminder, in a recent interview, Keith Kellogg expressed the willingness of the United States to discuss halting further NATO expansion, particularly in connection with Russia’s concerns over possible changes in Europe’s security architecture. According to the American diplomat, the U.S. values existing security guarantees for Russia but also emphasizes that any decisions must consider the interests of all parties. This statement has sparked another wave of discussions in the region, including in Ukraine, which insists on its participation in the upcoming NATO summit scheduled for June in The Hague. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s presence at this significant international platform. In an interview, the Ukrainian leader stated that Ukraine is an integral part of the alliance’s security strategy and strongly aspires to attend the summit. He added that an omitted invitation to Ukraine would be not only a political signal but also an open challenge to the unity and support for regional stability. Zelensky warned that Ukraine’s absence from the Hague summit could become “Putin’s victory over NATO,” which would significantly undermine the joint security policy and the level of support for Ukraine within the global community. Analysts note that the policy of open NATO expansion raises increasing questions about its impact on regional stability. They insist that active enlargement of the alliance in Eastern Europe remains a key factor in deterring Russian aggression and ensuring the security of member countries. At the same time, tensions are rising due to diplomatic statements and U.S. requests concerning the possible halt of eastward movement, which could lead to new geopolitical clashes. According to “European Pravda,” Ukrainian and European politicians are convinced of the necessity to preserve NATO’s unity and support Ukraine’s efforts to secure its security. They argue that the absence of an invitation to the Hague summit may serve as a signal to reconsider strategic orientations and could threaten both Ukraine’s security and stability across the entire region. Thus, the intense political debate around further NATO expansion and Ukraine’s role in the Euro-Atlantic security architecture is gaining momentum. Meanwhile, France, Germany, Poland, and many other countries remain committed to supporting a safe and stable future for Europe, emphasizing the importance of unity and consensus. Ultimately, the future dynamics of international policy in this crucial period for the region depend heavily on these factors.