"Action of Russia has been my biggest regret during last five years. The pattern is clear. From Moldova to Georgia, and now in Ukraine," writes in his article under the name "Putin`s Russia has been my biggest regret" the Secretary General of NATO Anders Fogh Rasmussen.
"In our eastern neighbourhood, Russia has shown utter disregard for international law and a brutal determination to redraw borders by force. The pattern is clear. From Moldova to Georgia, and now in Ukraine, Russia uses a mix of economic, political, propaganda and military pressure, to produce instability and manufacture hot conflicts which it can freeze at will. Moscow's masterplan is to prevent its neighbours from choosing their own path so that it can rebuild a sphere of influence.
Russia's behaviour is my deepest disappointment of the past five years. My very first speech as Nato Secretary General, in September 2009, focused on seeking a strategic partnership with Russia. I saw this as a historic opportunity which my generation could not miss," writes Rasmussen and marks that finally they couldn't find common language with Russia.
"But while we did expand our practical co-operation in the common fight against terrorism, narcotics and piracy, we never agreed on missile defence. Russia's aggression against Ukraine has challenged our vision of a Europe whole, free and at peace. Despite our efforts since the collapse of communism, Russia clearly views Nato not as a partner, but as an adversary," writes Rasmussen.
He thinks that is Russia will not change its course the collaboration with Moscow will remain problematic.
"Unless Russia changes course, there can be no business as usual, and I expect that engagement with Moscow will remain a considerable challenge for the foreseeable future.
"So, in Wales, we took the necessary steps to ensure that Nato stands ready to act swiftly and decisively to defend all allies against threats from any direction. We will maintain a continuous presence in Eastern Europe, with more planes in the air, more ships at sea, and more troops on the ground. We are also setting up a spearhead force at very high readiness, able to respond within days to a crisis emerging to the east or south," writes NATO Secretary General.
We remind that Anders Fogh Rasmussen will leave the position of Secretary General in several days. On October 1, Jens Stoltenberg of Norway will replace his on this position.