Sunday Times: Disagreements over conflict in Ukraine divide NATO countries into three camps

The NATO summit, held in Madrid at the end of June, declared unity on the issue of attitude towards Russia, which, in connection with the situation around Ukraine, was called “the most serious threat to security”, however, the countries of the alliance were divided into three camps on the ways of resolving the Ukrainian conflict, reports the British The Sunday Times.

According to the publication, three groups of countries have formed within NATO, which it calls “hawks”, “doves” and “ostriches”, Interfax reports.

Thus, the newspaper refers to the “hawks” those countries that advocate that “Russia should be dealt such a blow, after which it will no longer be able to pose a threat to its neighbors.” In addition, according to the “hawks”, NATO should do everything possible “to return the Donbass and Crimea under the control of Ukraine”, as well as “create conditions for a change of power in Russia.”

This category, according to The Sunday Times, includes countries bordering Russia, in particular, Poland.

“Doves” the British edition calls the countries that advocate the speedy cessation of hostilities in Ukraine, even at the expense of territorial concessions from the Ukrainian side. In particular, they would agree to the withdrawal of Russian troops to positions until February 24, and would also recognize the current status of Crimea, the DPR and the LPR.

In the category of “ostriches” the newspaper wrote down the states that, formally supporting the documents of the alliance, are looking for the path of least resistance and focusing on their internal problems. These, according to The Sunday Times, include, in particular, the countries of Southern Europe.

Recall that on February 21, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed decrees recognizing the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics (DPR and LPR), and on February 24 he made an emergency appeal to the Russians and announced a special military operation in Donbass. He, in particular, stated that “circumstances require decisive action from Russia”, and stressed that “Russia will not allow the appearance of nuclear weapons in Ukraine.” The goals of the special operation were called “demilitarization and denazification” of Ukraine.

We also add that on July 2 it became known that the American General Christopher Cavoli took command of the US European Command. He also became Commander-in-Chief of NATO Allied Forces Europe.

Cavoli, who previously commanded US ground forces in Europe and Africa, succeeded Tod Walters, who had served three years. It is noteworthy that Cavoli is a specialist in Russia and knows Russian, among others.