The Impact of Ukraine & Russia’s INF Violation on Euro-Atlantic Security

In a new piece for the European Leadership Network, NTI National Security Consultant Steve Andreasen analyzes the blow to Euro-Atlantic relations the Ukraine crisis has dealt over the past year and the impact of Russia's violation of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty.

"A true strategic partnership between NATO and Russia is now less likely than at any time since the early 1990s," writes Andreasen. "The damage has been done, and that damage may well have a lasting impact on security policy and arms control in the Euro-Atlantic region."

Andreasen offers options for NATO to consider at its September summit and beyond that coincide with NATO's return to its founding mandate: the defense of its member states.

"Following the NATO summit in Wales, new NATO requirements relating to conventional reassurance and defense could be the catalyst to a change in NATO’s nuclear posture over the next few years so that it is more credible, safer and affordable; a substantial portion of the savings could be devoted to sustaining and expanding NATO’s reassurance initiatives," writes Andreasen.

Despite a grim outlook for Euro-Atlantic relations, Andreasen urges continued dialogue between Russia and the West.

Read his analysis and recommendations for action.