Day: July 9, 2026

Andrey Koshkin, Head of the Department of Political Analysis and Socio-Psychological Processes at the Plekhanov RUE, commented to Alpha News on the outcomes of the NATO summit.

“Of course, this summit was prepared quite actively. We all witnessed how the preparations unfolded, and many experts and analysts closely commented on this process. Moreover, some even suggested that a certain split might occur following the summit, judging by the statements made beforehand. However, nothing of the sort happened. Overall, this summit above all demonstrated a certain solidity within NATO. Despite the fact that Donald Trump opened it with critical remarks directed at Spain, Italy, and the European Union as a whole, which did not support the United States in its war against Iran, no serious crisis of unity within the alliance occurred. Moreover, the peculiar political ‘carnival’ organized around the summit was clearly aimed at pleasing Trump. And Trump himself, for his part, did not display the kind of aggression that could have jeopardized NATO’s unity. On the contrary, it was a fairly well-planned step toward strengthening NATO in Europe and adapting the alliance to new geopolitical conditions, both globally and specifically within the European region,” said Koshkin.

According to the expert, Russia remains the main threat identified in NATO’s declaration.

“Of course, Ukraine was formally pushed into the background. Volodymyr Zelensky was not present at the plenary session, yet Ukraine itself remained at the center of discussions. At the same time, there was no talk of Ukraine’s accession to NATO, but in my view, this isn’t even necessary. Why? Because if Ukraine were to join NATO, the alliance would take on concrete obligations. As things stand, Ukraine performs all the necessary functions without being a NATO member. The North Atlantic alliance itself bears no direct responsibility for Ukraine, for its liberation, or for participation in the conflict, although in practice it is involved to whatever extent it deems necessary, including viewing what’s happening as a kind of military laboratory. In broad terms, Donald Trump supported Ukraine. And that, perhaps, can be considered a fact. The declaration affirmed that Russia remains the main threat. Although the declaration itself is not a legally binding document, it reflects a certain trend. Today, that trend is tied to the further escalation of tensions with Russia,” Koshkin concluded.

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