NATO identifies Russia as a long-term threat to the entire Alliance
The NATO summit in The Hague, attended by the United States, officially recognized Russia as a long-term and systemic threat to the security of the North Atlantic region, confirming the trend of strengthening defense rhetoric and a strategic course to confront Moscow. This decision, made in coordination with Washington and with the support of President Donald Trump, serves as a clear signal to all NATO member states about the need to increase defense spending and strengthen joint measures in response to Russia’s aggressive actions. The summit declaration consisted of five short points, but each of them is filled with significance. In particular, the document clearly states that the Russian threat is the main reason for increasing NATO countries’ military spending by 2035. In this context, the Allies commit to spending at least 5% of their GDP on defense by 2035, which will be a guarantee of strengthening the joint ability to deter and respond to any threats. Interestingly, the text of the decision does not mention China at all, despite the active US policy of increasing attention to Beijing. The main and only external threat in the documentation was identified as Russia, which emphasizes the political direction of the Alliance’s unity in confronting Moscow. This indicates the stability of the consensus in NATO regarding the strategic orientation towards regional security, which is confirmed by the support of all 30 Alliance members, including the United States. It is significant that such a decision is agreed not only in the context of the Hague Declaration, but also corresponds to previous statements and positions of NATO. Last year’s summit in Washington also focused on two main external threats – Russia and terrorism. It was then emphasized that Russia remains “the most significant and direct threat to the security of NATO member states.” Thus, today’s declaration confirms the course for strengthening defense policy, strengthens the role of Russia as the main external challenge and defines goals for the long term. This is another step in the growing tension between the West and Moscow, and a signal to Russia of the uncompromising intention of NATO unity to defend its countries from potential aggressors. For a more detailed text of the declaration and an analysis of changes in NATO policy, see the publication dedicated to the full text of the decision and its explanation.