CONCLUSION
The study examined the NATO and Russia – Ukraine war from 2022-2024. The study analyze the causes of the Russia-Ukraine war, the role of NATO in Russia- Ukraine war and the effects of NATO involvement in international conflict The underlying benefit of the study influence of the choice of the topic. This study could benefit researchers on international relations, diplomacy, military, and security studies by educating students about NATO's founding and its role in the Russia-Ukraine war. It will also provide valuable information for diplomats, military personnel, and politicians, as they need to be cautious when forming agreements with NATO states, as they may sacrifice national interests for NATO's larger international ambition. This study draw attention to the motive of Russia military operation in Ukraine, motive of NATO military, diplomatic and financial supports and the underlying NATO motive is hegemonic or not.
The study showed the various ways that the war in Ukraine has been viewed from various perspectives, with Russia citing three key reasons: Ukrainians in Crimea, Donbas's right to self-determination, the 2014 coup d'tat, and humanitarian interventions. Others view it as a mirror image of the Cold War mentality, leading to international collaboration breakdowns and crises. Some view the conflict as part of the securitization theory, which does not account for collective, regional, military, and alliance securitization. Understanding the security and economic interests of the parties involved is crucial for understanding the underlying motives and actions of the conflict.
The study showed that the Russia-Ukraine War, a conflict between Russia and Ukraine, has been fueled by attempt the United State and European allies to separate Ukraine from Russia. Ukraine, a sovereign state since the formation of the USSR, has been viewed as a threat by Russia, who seeks to maintain neutrality. This neutrality may have been beneficial in the 21st century, as it provides security and an option to avoid violent conflicts. Neutrality can separate neutral territory, ships, and cargo from core issues, avoiding drawing secondary parties into war. A neutral state focuses on achieving stability by promoting rules and norms that remove power and military resources from the scope of neutral states and belligerent interactions could of benefits to Ukraine.
In 2010, Viltor Yanukovich won a presidential election and in 2013, his government suspended trade and association talks with the EU and reopened economic ties with Russia and the Eastern European Union. This led to a crisis in Ukraine, with the 2014 Ukrainian crisis and the coercive palace coup, supported by the West, overthrowing the Russia-friendly government. Russia oversaw the referendum-based annexation of Crimea, which was viewed as invasion and annexation in the West but different in many Western Hemisphere nations, Africa, and Asia. In 2019, Volodymyr Zelenskiy won the presidency and requested NATO's permission to join Ukraine. Russia made security demands in December 2021, including removing its soldiers and armaments from Eastern Europe and preventing Ukraine from joining NATO. In February 2022, Putin recognized the two breakaway regions as independent states and dispatched peacekeeping forces into Eastern Ukraine. The West's allies sanctioned Russian parliament members, banks, and assets, leading to new sanctions.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was established in 1949 to deter Soviet expansionism, prevent nationalist militarism, and encourage European political integration. NATO is helping Ukraine defend itself against Russia's aggression by coordinating requests for assistance and supporting Allies in the delivery of humanitarian and non-lethal aid. NATO has pledged over EUR 640 million (around USD 700 million) to meet Ukraine's critical needs, including cold-weather clothing, body armor, fuel, transport vehicles, secure communications, combat rations, demining equipment, and medical supplies. The alliance has also established the NATO-Ukraine Council, a forum for crisis consultation and decision-making where all NATO members and Ukraine sit as equals. Since Russia's invasion in February 2022, the United States has provided Ukraine with around USD 75 billion in military, financial, and humanitarian aid, while other NATO Allies and partners have provided over USD 100 billion. In the longer term, NATO is committed to assisting Ukraine in post-war reconstruction and reforms, including reforming Ukraine's armed forces and defense institutions.`
NATO has been providing support through a Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP) since 2016, focusing on cyber defence, logistics, and countering hybrid warfare. The alliance has imposed unprecedented costs on Russia, including severe sanctions, to increase pressure on Moscow. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, NATO activated its defence plans and deployed thousands of extra troops. At the 2022 Madrid Summit, the alliance agreed to a fundamental shift in deterrence and defense, including strengthening forward defenses, transforming the NATO Response Force, and increasing the number of high-readiness forces. At the 2023 Vilnius Summit, the alliance approved new regional defence plans to counter Russia and terrorism, pledged to invest 2% of GDP annually on defense, and endorsed a Defence Production Action Plan. NATO is also increasing the resilience of their societies and infrastructure, including enhancing cyber capabilities and defenses, increasing naval presence, intelligence-sharing, and surveillance, and strengthening energy security. NATO's military presence in the eastern part of Alliance territory is an important component of its deterrence and defence posture.
NATO's military presence in the eastern part of the Alliance is a key part of its strengthened deterrence and defense posture, reflecting the new security reality in the Euro-Atlantic area. The alliance's forward presence comprises eight multinational battlegroups, provided by framework nations and other contributing Allies on a voluntary, fully sustainable, and rotational basis. These battlegroups operate in concert with national home defense forces and are present at all times in the host countries. NATO's rapid reinforcement strategy ensures that forward presence forces will be reinforced by NATO's Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF), the broader NATO Response Force, Allies' additional high-readiness forces, and NATO's heavier follow-on forces, if necessary. At the 2022 NATO Summit in Madrid, Allies agreed a new NATO Force Model, which represents a broader expansion of high-readiness forces potentially available to NATO where and when required. The transition to the new model is planned to be completed later in 2023.
