Myth 1: NATO is not interested in real dialogue with Russia
Fact: NATO's approach to Russia remains consistent: strong deterrence combined with political dialogue. We regret Russia's decision to suspend the work of its diplomatic mission to NATO, and of NATO's Military Liaison Office in Moscow, and to close down NATO's Information Office in Moscow. These steps do not contribute to dialogue and mutual understanding.
The NATO-Russia Council (NRC) is an important forum for dialogue and met ten times since 2016. After Russia repeatedly refused to hold another NRC meeting, the Secretary General has convened an NRC for 12 January 2022, to discuss issues related to European security, especially the situation in and round Ukraine, and issues related to military activities, reciprocal transparency and risk reduction. As the Secretary General said, this is "an agenda for meaningful dialogue in the interest of all of us."
All NATO Allies reiterated in December that they remain open to dialogue with Russia but that such "dialogue would have to proceed on the basis of reciprocity, address NATO's concerns about Russia's actions, be based on the core principles and foundational documents of European security, and take place in consultation with NATO's European Partners."
NATO Secretary General meets with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (22 September 2021)
Myth 2: NATO ignores proposal to move military exercises away from the "contact line" between NATO and Russian forces
Fact: There is no "contact line" between NATO and Russian forces – but internationally recognised borders of NATO Allies. NATO's deployments on Allied territory are defensive, proportionate and in line with our international commitments.
Our enhanced forward presence in the eastern part of our Alliance is not meant to provoke a conflict but to prevent a conflict. It is a response to Russia's use of military force against its neighbours and its military build-up in the Baltic region and beyond.
In contrast to Russia's proposal, we see aggressive Russian military activities continuing, including a major build-up of Russian forces in and around Ukraine earlier this year.
We urge Russia to follow existing transparency rules, including on military exercises and force posture. We also call on Russia to engage in the process of modernising the Vienna Document to enhance verification measures. We remain open to further dialogue on risk reduction and transparency, in the NATO-Russia Council and through our military-to-military channels.
Myth 3: Ukraine cannot join NATO
Fact: NATO Allies welcome Ukraine's aspirations to join NATO and they stand by the decision made at the 2008 Bucharest Summit that Ukraine will become a member of the Alliance.
Decisions regarding NATO membership are up to each individual applicant and the 30 NATO Allies. Russia has no right to intervene and cannot veto such a process.
We reject any idea of spheres of influence in Europe – they are part of history and should remain part of history. Like every country, Ukraine has the sovereign right to choose its own security arrangements. This is a fundamental principle of European security, one that Russia has also subscribed to and should respect. After the end of the Cold War, Russia played a part in building an inclusive European security architecture, including through the Charter of Paris, the establishment of the OSCE, the creation of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, and the NATO-Russia Founding Act.
Myth 4: NATO rejects Russia's arms control proposals
Fact: Russia's proposal for a moratorium on the deployment of ground-launched intermediate and short-range missiles in Europe is not a credible offer. It disregards the reality on the ground. The reality is that there are no new US missiles in Europe, but there are new Russian missiles in Europe – the SSC-8.
Any geographical limits on the deployment of Russia's SSC-8 are not credible, as the missile system is mobile and can be moved quickly. Unless and until Russia verifiably destroys the SSC-8 system, this moratorium is not a genuine offer.
NATO is responding in a measured way to the significant risks posed by Russia's SSC-8 in order to ensure that NATO's deterrence and defence posture remains credible and effective. NATO does not want a new arms race, and has no intention to deploy new land-based nuclear weapons in Europe. Allies remain firmly committed to arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation.
Myth 5: NATO is encircling and trying to contain Russia
Fact: NATO is a defensive alliance, whose purpose is to protect our member states. Our exercises and military deployments are not directed against Russia – or any other country.
This myth also ignores geography. Russia's land border is just over 20,000 kilometres long. Of that, less than one-sixteenth (1,215 kilometres), is shared with NATO members. Russia has land borders with 14 countries. Only five of them are NATO members.
Outside NATO territory, the Alliance only has a military presence in Kosovo and Iraq. The KFOR peacekeeping mission is carried out with a United Nations mandate, endorsed by the UN Security Council, of which Russia is a member. NATO's non-combat mission in Iraq is a key contribution to the fight against international terrorism and is carried out with full respect for Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity and at the request of the Iraqi government. In contrast, Russia has military bases and soldiers in three countries – Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine – without the consent of their governments.
