Rose Gottemoeller: Russia demonstrates unacceptable pattern of behavior

Russia's aggressive actions are a challenge faced by the NATO allies, and there is no indication on Russia’s part of any willingness to change.

"One challenge we face is from a more assertive Russia.  What we've witnessed in recent years is an increasingly dangerous and unacceptable pattern of behaviour: Russia's aggressive actions in Ukraine; its military build up from the north of Europe to the Middle East; its use of hybrid tactics, cyberattacks, disinformation, interference in democratic elections," NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller said at the conference “Resourcing a Coherent and Credible Alliance” at l’École Militaire in Paris.

She emphasized that Russia tried to undermine the international rules-based order, including by the offensive use of a nerve agent in the UK, the first time on NATO soil. 

"Unfortunately, there is no indication on Russia’s part of any willingness to change, so NATO will maintain its dual track approach to Russia: strong deterrence and defence, combined with the continuing search for meaningful dialogue," Gottemoeller added.

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