Russians Upset Over Ukraine and Georgia Plan to Join NATO
Russia is flexing its political muscle by issuing a warning to the Ukraine and Georgia about entering the NATO alliance. A Russian official says such action would not strengthen trust in Europe and would negatively affect its ties with NATO. Russia does not see the expansion of NATO as being beneficial towards the securities issues of both states.
The United States has responded by denying that Russia has any influence over the admission of Georgia and Ukraine into the organization. Georgia has stated that it wants to join NATO, but understands it has to continue to make reforms which will take time. Ukraine has not decided if it wants to join the alliance yet, but knows NATO has an open door should it decide to join. US officials have stated that both countries need to do what is right for them, not want Russia wants. Russia does not have any veto rights in NATO.
Russia has long been opposed to both countries becoming members of the alliance as it feels the membership goals represent a move towards the West. Both countries have some large roadblocks to overcome to gain membership though, including separatist conflicts in Georgia and pubic opposition in the Ukraine.
Read more posts in this category: Politics
