Russia Policy Directors from across the Alliance convened with experts from NATO Headquarters and beyond on Thursday (12 September) to accelerate the ongoing work on NATO's strategic approach to Russia.
The gathering, which was chaired by Acting Deputy Secretary General Boris Ruge, reaffirmed that Russia remains the most significant and direct threat to Allies' security. Participants stressed that Russia seeks to fundamentally reconfigure the Euro-Atlantic security architecture and that the threat posed by Russia will persist into the long term.
"NATO is the essential transatlantic forum for consultations on all matters related to our individual and collective security", Ambassador Ruge said. "We will continue to consult on Russian hostile activities and coordinate national and Allied responses."
Allies expressed their deep concern over Russia's hybrid actions, which constitute a threat to Allied security. Recent hostile acts have included sabotage, acts of violence, provocations at Allied borders and violations of Allied airspace, instrumentalization of irregular migration as well as malicious cyber activities and disinformation campaigns. Russia's behaviour will not deter Allies' resolve and support to Ukraine.
Regarding Russia's war against Ukraine, Allies stressed that Iran's delivery of ballistic missiles to Russia represents a substantial escalation in Tehran's support for Russia's illegal war. And several Allies have already announced new sanctions in response.
