NATO Responded to Russia’s Statement on Termination of Cooperation

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grushko said that Russia and NATO have completely stopped cooperation. The Alliance stressed that nothing has changed in NATO's two-vector approach with regard to Moscow. NATO denied the statement of Russia that the Alliance and Moscow completely ceased cooperation. “NATO’s position has not changed.  With regard to Russia, the North Atlantic Alliance adheres to a two-vector approach: powerful deterrence and defense while maintaining a serious dialogue”, NATO spokesman Oana Lungescu said in a statement released on Tuesday, April 16. Earlier, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Grushko said that Russia and NATO completely ceased cooperation along civil and military lines. “NATO abandoned the positive agenda in relations with Russia. It doesn't exist. And NATO does not know how to get out of this impasse so far”, - said the Russian diplomat. In response, Oana Lungescu pointed out that in March 2014, NATO, due to “aggressive actions of Russia against Ukraine, completely suspended practical cooperation with Russia, while maintaining channels for political and military dialogue”, and the situation has not changed since then. Position of NATO The representative of the Alliance recalled that at the summit in Brussels in July 2018, NATO members ruled out the possibility to return to “business as usual” until there is a clear, constructive change in Russia’s actions that demonstrates compliance with international law and its international obligations and responsibilities. “NATO is committed to dialogue with Russia in order to clearly define our positions, reduce risks and enhance transparency”, Lungescu said, noting that the Alliance continues its dialogue with Russia at various levels. As examples, she cited NATO-Russia Council meetings, the last of which took place in January, as well as meetings of NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Sergey Lavrov, the last of which took place in March 2019 in Munich. “NATO Deputy Secretary General continues regular dialogue with Russian diplomats. We also maintain military channels of communication. The Chairman of the NATO Military Committee and NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, maintained direct contacts with the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. For example, the General Scaparrotti in December met with General Gerasimov”, reminded Oana Lungescu. DW