Russia vs NATO tension spiked after the invasion of Crimea by Russia. Russia and NATO try to structure forums promoting military and economic cooperation. As of 2024, relations have become strained over the Russia-Ukraine issue. Started to deteriorate substantially following the Ukraine Revolution in 2004 and the Russia- Georgian war in 2008.
In April 2014, NATO unanimously decided to suspend all practical cooperation as a response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea. In October 2021, Russia suspended its mission to NATO and ordered the closure of the NATO office in Moscow, in response to NATO expelling eight Russian officials from its Brussels headquarters.
Russian invasion of Crimea
In February 2014, Russia invaded the Crimean Peninsular, part of Ukraine. As pro-Russian protestors became increasingly assertive in Crimea, groups of armed men lacked any identity. Masked Gunmen occupied two airports in Simferopol and Sevastopol. Masked Gunmed occupied the Crimean Parliament building and raised the Russian flag. Sergey Aksyonov the leader of the Russian Unity Party was installed as Prime Minister of Crimea after dismissing the sitting government. Russian authorities acknowledge that they had moved troops into the region. Ukraine criticized the action as a provocation and violation of Ukrainian sovereignty. while Vladimir Putin, Russian Federation president claims as an effort to protect Russian citizens and military assets in Cremia.
On March 16 the Russian Federation conducted a public referendum to leave Ukraine and join Russia after Crimea Parliament voted in favour of Russia. The move was hailed by Russia and condemned by NATO and the West. The interim government of Ukraine, the United States, and the European Union imposed asset freezes and travel bans on numerous Russian officials and members of the Crimean Parliament. The observers noted irregularities, including the presence of armed men at the polling Station, and the result was 97 percent in favor of joining Russia.
On March 18, President Putin signed a treaty incorporating Crimea into The Russian Federation. After meeting Aksyonovo and other regional representatives. Within hours after signing the treaty, the Ukrainian military base was attacked by masked gunmen outside Simferopol. Russian troops occupy Ukrainian naval headquarters in Sevastopol. Ukraine evacuated about 25000 military personnel and their families from the Crimean peninsula. President Putin signed a law formally integrating Crimea into Russia on March 21, 2014. After the ratification of the annexation treaty by the Russian parliament.
Why is Crimea important to Russia?
Russia’s takeover of Crimea has dramatically escalated the recent East-West struggle over Ukraine. Converting an economic and diplomatic dispute into a major geopolitical crisis. Crimea gives Moscow continued access to the naval base at Sevastopol, to Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. The Black Sea Fleet provides Russia with the ability to project in and around the Black Sea, it also serves as a potent symbol of Russian power. Sevastopol’s warm water port, natural harbor, and extensive infrastructure make it among the best naval bases in The Black Sea.
The Black Sea fleet provides Russia with substantial operational capability within the immediate area. In 2008, Russia used the fleet to ferry troops and to conduct a blockage against Georgia. Sevastopol (Crimea) also provides the Russian Navy with access to the Mediterranean and to the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans. It also serves as headquarters for Russia’s Mediterranean Task Force. Crimea is also home to the BSF 11th Coastal Defense Missile Brigade. With the long-term control assured, Russia is already upgrading Crimea’s air defense capabilities. Russia may use Crimea as a symbol to encourage pro-Russian factions in Ukraine to support Russia and resist the effort by Ukraine to achieve closer integration with the West.
