Dear CCI Friends,
The NATO Summit is over and the official word on its deliberations and conclusions has been released. A link to the full text of the “Washington Summit Declaration issued by the Heads of State and Government participating in the meeting of the North Atlantic Council in Washington, D.C. 10 July 2024,” is included below.
For those interested in pursuing a path to peace in this world it is not edifying but it is, we would suggest, essential reading. We have selected a few noteworthy passages to give you a feel for the atmosphere of fear NATO inhabits. Nothing in it indicates that anyone in NATO is contemplating anything other than war with Russia.
“Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has shattered peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area and gravely undermined global security. Russia remains the most significant and direct threat to Allies’ security.”
“We cannot discount the possibility of an attack against Allies’ sovereignty and territorial integrity. We have strengthened our deterrence and defense posture to deny any potential adversary any possible opportunities for aggression. We continue to enhance NATO’s deterrence and defense against all threats and challenges, in all domains, and in multiple strategic directions across the Euro-Atlantic area. We have deployed in-place combat-ready forces on NATO’s Eastern Flank …”
” (We are) Investing in our Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear defense capabilities required to effectively operate in all environments.”
“To help Ukraine defend itself today, and deter Russian aggression in the future, we have:
Decided to establish the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) to coordinate the provision of military equipment and training for Ukraine by Allies and partners. Its aim is to place security assistance to Ukraine on an enduring footing, ensuring enhanced, predictable, and coherent support. NSATU, which will operate in Allied states, will support Ukraine’s self-defense in line with the UN Charter. NSATU will not, under international law, make NATO a party to the conflict. It will support the transformation of Ukraine’s defence and security forces, enabling its further integration with NATO.
Announced a Pledge of Long-Term Security Assistance for Ukraine for the provision of military equipment, assistance, and training to support Ukraine in building a force capable of defeating Russian aggression. Through proportional contributions, Allies intend to provide a minimum baseline funding of €40 billion within the next year, and to provide sustainable levels of security assistance for Ukraine to prevail.
Taken forward the establishment of the NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training, and Education Centre (JATEC), an important pillar of practical cooperation, to identify and apply lessons from Russia’s war against Ukraine and increase Ukraine’s interoperability with NATO.
Welcomed the Secretary General’s decision to appoint a NATO Senior Representative in Ukraine.”
[Continue to NATO Document]
Sabre rattling? Hyperbole? Wishful thinking? Meaningful threats? All of the above?
We are also providing links to our favorite commentators on the subject of Russia, Ukraine, NATO and the US who have weighed in on the significance of this Summit.
Gilbert Doctorow on Russia’s perception of the NATO threat:
[Continue to Watch Gilbert Doctorow Interview on Judging Freedom Streamed Live on July 11th, 2024]
Stephen Bryen on NATO’s chances of living up to the level it has committed to at the Summit:
[Continue to Read Article posted on Weapons and Strategy July 10th, 2024]
John Mearsheimer on the utter recklessness of the Biden administration/NATO position:
[Continue to Watch John Mearsheimer Interview on Judging Freedom Streamed Live on July 11th, 2024]
This is a lot to consider and to ponder, friends, but we are in deep and dark waters. Please let us know your thoughts.
Sincerely,
The Directors
Center for Citizen Initiatives