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Kishida seeks major upgrade of NATO partnership

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NATO is consolidating its power and influence. It started out as limited to the "North Atlantic" but now taking on a more global role. Good thing, as democracies need to stand firm and united in the face of Russia and China.

This summit is amazing, historic, so much is being achieved.

8 ( +24 / -16 )

All 4 countries are more than capable but I wouldn’t call Australia and New Zealand Asian countries, other than the fact that they’re located in the pacific.

6 ( +16 / -10 )

Tie on, tie off,mask on, mask off,jacket on, jacket off-Kishida sure is busy in Spain.

-13 ( +8 / -21 )

This summit is amazing, historic, so much is being achieved.

It is important, but what is actually achieved won't really be known for years.

Popular democracies need to work together. That is certain.

13 ( +23 / -10 )

And so with Kishida's wish to extend his relationship into NATO, does Article 5 apply to non-gold card members like Japan?

-6 ( +4 / -10 )

And so with Kishida's wish to extend his relationship into NATO, does Article 5 apply to non-gold card members like Japan?

He can hope, but Article 5 goes both ways, and doesn't sync too well in reverse with Japan's Article 9.

-1 ( +6 / -7 )

Yeah, more wars for the US and the West and its military industrial complex. This is beyond stupid and dangerous...

-8 ( +17 / -25 )

Yeah, more wars for the US and the West and its military industrial complex. This is beyond stupid and dangerous...

Um, the West and its military industrial complex isn't the one starting war, it's Russia who started war, and is provoking NATO by trying to expand its borders towards NATO. Was NATO just supposed to let that provocation happen without action? What logic would there be behind that?

9 ( +23 / -14 )

@clown world: it seems like not being part of a NATO-like alliance is much more stupid and dangerous. Look at Ukraine. It could be the future of any other country that lacks an alliance (or nukes).

Yeah, more wars for the US and the West and its military industrial complex. This is beyond stupid and dangerous...

12 ( +22 / -10 )

Putin has justified the invasion to stop NATO expansion, a serious security threat to Russia. NATO is now expanding up to the Far East while welcoming Finland and Sweden, all making Russia become far more vulnerable.

Is Putin the big state traitor to Russians?

7 ( +18 / -11 )

""NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said, "China does not share our values and, like Russia, it seeks to undermine the international rules based order."

"So we must continue to stand together and work with like-minded partners around the world to protect our values and our freedom. And to promote peace and prosperity," he added.""

Yes Sir, China will will take every opportunity to expand it's influence anywhere in the world, places like Africa, central & South America, South East Asia, the south pacific islands are all at the risk of being blackmailed and framed by China $$$ .

12 ( +20 / -8 )

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said, "China does not share our values and, like Russia, it seeks to undermine the international rules based order."

Ah yes, the famous "rules based order" where the rules are created by the US to maintain its global hegemony, but by which the US doesn't abide.

Strangely, Stoltenberg fails to mention that German Air Force head Ingo Gerhartz, in a speech at the recent Kiel International Seapower Symposium, threatened to attack Moscow with nuclear weapons:

" “For credible deterrence, we need both the means and the political will to implement nuclear deterrence if necessary.” According to the newspaper, he added threateningly, “Putin, don’t mess with us! By 2030, Europeans will have 600 modern fighter jets in the Baltic Sea region. Then there are the Americans’ planes.”

The fact that a German general is openly threatening to use nuclear weapons against Russia must be taken as a serious warning. Seventy-seven years after the fall of the Third Reich, a fascist mentality is once again spreading in the ruling class. It is ready to commit the worst crimes once again in order to assert its imperialist interests."

https://turonzamin.com/german-air-force-chief-calls-for-the-use-of-nuclear-weapons-against-russia

It would be interesting to hear what Kishida thinks about how the threat of a first-strike nuclear attack sits with the "rules based order".

-15 ( +14 / -29 )

Basically USA is saying to every country in the world, “you are either with us or against us”, pick your side now or we will destroy you. Membership is currently 2% of your GDP paid using SWIFT.

-12 ( +12 / -24 )

The expansion of NATO's area of concern and operation is clearly necessary.

Japan amending Article 9 is also necessary.

All brought about by the actions of Russia and China.

5 ( +20 / -15 )

Strangely, Stoltenberg fails to mention that German Air Force head Ingo Gerhartz, in a speech at the recent Kiel International Seapower Symposium, threatened to attack Moscow with nuclear weapons:

Let’s not forget Putin’s threats against the west. He’s not the only one in Russian circles who’s made threats either.

10 ( +17 / -7 )

Also Rodney - the 2% of GDP are guidelines as to how much should be spent on defense, it’s not a fee paid. Come on man, even MAGA understands that.

What do you think is an appropriate % of GDP for smaller nations near Russia or China to spend on defense?

8 ( +16 / -8 )

Is Putin the big state traitor to Russians?

putin was right. History lesson. He said NATO wants to expand, but that was not true at the time, but recent report suggest NATO wanted to expand for self preservation. Of course USA is boss of NATO, but a few years ago, the EU was seriously thinking of disbanding NATO and creating a EU Army without USA. USA was angry that member states were only paying 1.2% of their GDP or less. Also US has many bases in Europe, Six of which have US nuclear warheads and delivery systems. Putin was right.

now European citizens have to skip meals, freeze in winter, out of control inflation, fly all the way around Russia…and pay 2% GDP. But US dream to expand NATO to Russia’s border and threaten them has succeeded. USA has never won a war since Russia defeated Nazi Germany and Japan in 1945, but it has also never had war on its homeland.

-16 ( +10 / -26 )

Rodney - again with the support for Russia. What is it with you?

11 ( +20 / -9 )

the looser team gathers.

Kishida where is your mask!!!!

-14 ( +5 / -19 )

Yeah, more wars for the US and the West and its military industrial complex. This is beyond stupid and dangerous...

Would Sweden and Finland ever even CONSIDERED joining NATO if it wasn't for the aggressive invasion of Ukraine by Vlad the Mad's Russia? Would Japan even have been invited to such a summit if it weren't for Mad Vlad's aggressive war in Ukraine? Putin and his puppets have said recently that "NATO expansion would be destabilising"....the only thing that is destabilising is their illegal incursion into Ukraine. THEY have driven NATO expansion. THEY have forced the hands of countries such as Sweden and Finland to seek out defensive alliances that explicitly state mutual defence. THEY have pushed their former satellites into the arms of the EU....no one else. The blame for all of this lies at the door of the Kremlin.

14 ( +22 / -8 )

putin was right. History lesson. He said NATO wants to expand, but that was not true at the time, but recent report suggest NATO wanted to expand for self preservation.

Um have you not been watching the news? NATO didn't expand their borders towards Russia, Russia is expanding their borders towards NATO. Why is Putin provoking NATO by trying to expand their borders closer to NATO?

9 ( +21 / -12 )

As to whether Australia is an Asian nation....2022 Census reveals 1/ largest group of new migrants were from England yet 2/ next largest inputs from India , then China, and rounding out the top ten we have Malaysia, Phillipines , Sri Lanka etc.

Seems both the change in demographic of people's origin and our location is making Australian an Asian nation.

Good thing too.

5 ( +9 / -4 )

when you look at the NATO virus, Russia is and will attract more and more people to become Russian citizens

-18 ( +4 / -22 )

Thanks go out to NATO for bringing us a new Cold War.

-16 ( +8 / -24 )

SOOOOO much wrong with this diatribe...

putin was right.

No he wasn't.

History lesson. He said NATO wants to expand, but that was not true at the time,

See...he wasn't right.

but recent report suggest NATO wanted to expand for self preservation.

evidence?

Of course USA is boss of NATO, but a few years ago, the EU was seriously thinking of disbanding NATO and creating a EU Army without USA.

The EU is not a member of NATO

USA was angry that member states were only paying 1.2% of their GDP or less. Also US has many bases in Europe, Six of which have US nuclear warheads and delivery systems.

This part is true. Especially under the Orange Cheeto, his administration pledged to make euro members pay their allotted share.

Putin was right.

No...he wasn't...check above. Also history lesson for you Rodders my old chap, Putin was desperate to jon NATO when he came into power. But his ego got in the way....again. He expected NATO to OFFER membership, to just seamlessly bring Russia into the alliance. However when George Robertson, who was the ex-defence minster of the UK and at the time NATO Secretary General, replied that countries were never invited in......they had to APPLY for membership. Putin took the hump and said something along the lines of "Russia doesn't stand in the queue with all the other dogs".

now European citizens have to skip meals, freeze in winter, out of control inflation, fly all the way around Russia…and pay 2% GDP. But US dream to expand NATO to Russia’s border and threaten them has succeeded.

None of which has anything to do with NATO membership and everything to do with financial mismanagement of world markets by vulture capitalism, coupled with the problems incurred with covid restrictions to world supply lines and then Vlad the Mad's illegal war in Ukraine. The ONLY thing that has driven NATO membership to the borders of Russia is Russia. Bear in mind that as soon as the Baltic states were free from Russian control, they applied to join NATO.....that in itself tells you everything. Now with the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine, a country that is meant to be it's brother country, with family and cultural ties strong across the border, all it has done is show the need for smaller countries to be in a defensive partnership with an alliance such as NATO.

USA has never won a war since Russia defeated Nazi Germany and Japan in 1945, but it has also never had war on its homeland.

Far from me to defend the US......it's foreign policies along with it's lapdog, the UK, have destabilised the world for centuries. With the UK the OG in foreign interventions, the US simply learned from the master and has now succeeded it's former instructor. BUT I can think of at least 3 wars that have been conducted on US soil.....the US war of independence, the war of 1812 against "Canada" (but really the UK) and the Mexican war that gave the US the land it has today. All that not including the colonial wars between the UK, French, Spanish and the Native Americans for control of the continent.

9 ( +18 / -9 )

These clowns are leading us to a future world war... Nothing more because of the whims of the US of wanting a unipolar world at its own petty, self-centered, selfish and ethnocentric convenience..

Basically USA is saying to every country in the world, “you are either with us or against us”, pick your side now or we will destroy you. Membership is currently 2% of your GDP paid using SWIFT.

It has been doing it since 1776..

-16 ( +9 / -25 )

That's three photos of the LDP leader on the front page of Japan Today today, surely a new record. Anyone would thinks there's an election in the offing. Oh wait....

3 ( +12 / -9 )

Looks like NATO is trying to become the new UNSC....wonder who is going to get veto power here.???

Very concerning development moving further away from peace an peaceful solutions imo

-2 ( +7 / -9 )

NATO has never been stronger or more relevant, as this historical summit is showing.

The free, democratic world had no option but to work closer with - and possibly join - NATO in future years. Fascist Russia, and the ever threatening China, have ensured this. If a fascist regime is permitted to invade, attack and occupy a sovereign nation like Ukraine - everyone is vulnerable in Europe or Asia.

The push back from the fascist Russia and communist PRC supporters on here is telling - but certainly expected. The fact that the free world is bolstering NATO to new levels is clearly worrying them.

3 ( +13 / -10 )

when you look at the NATO virus, Russia is and will attract more and more people to become Russian citizens

Here's hoping you will be among them.

4 ( +12 / -8 )

Britain's debt at the end of the Napoleonic wars rose to 200% of GDP, fell as low as 30% around the turn of the 20th century, then rose to over 200% again by the end of WWII - with that debt largely to the US. Japan's debt is rapidly approaching 300% of GDP after 80 years of peace time. Just a thought.

The nation does have a strong military today, but it really couldn't succeed without very substantial bankrolling from allies. The idea of military expansion in the 2020s is a luxury it cannot really afford and in the 2030s the choice (between buying fighter jets vs., paying pensions) will become starker.

Still - that's not to say I'm not in support of Japan and NATO. There's a sad minority of misfiring iconoclasts (or Russkis...) floating about. Russia is clearly the aggressor and Putin is a tyrant, dragging the country in the wrong direction to such an extent that it will be struggling to keep ahead of Mexico and Indonesia in the coming years, let alone Western Europe. NATO is a defence organisation and the greatest trick Putin has pulled is to get even Westerners repeating this line that NATO is threat to Russia's national security. Nobody's interested in invading Russia.

3 ( +9 / -6 )

@Alfie

Expressing public support for nuclear deterrence is in no way a threat. ND is a position that if an enemy attacks FIRST, then the other side will be capable and willing to use its nuclear weapons as a response. Gerhartz said the West must have the political will to maintain its deterrence policy. He made no "threat" against Russia.

-1 ( +9 / -10 )

So many people were against it but now Russia has shown that NATO is very important. Good thing they got on the bandwagon before it was too late.

1 ( +8 / -7 )

@Strangerland

As usual you have it back to front!

The reason for the invasion was the build up of US and NATO bases near Russia.

Was Putin really going to allow Ukraine to station foreign troops and missiles next to Russia?

Well, the world has the answer now.....

3 ( +12 / -9 )

Here's hoping you will be among them

That's very entertaining.

Russia has plenty of its own territory to expand and no shortage of resources.

Meanwhile Japan is struggling to keep its own territory and with little room to expand and poor resources .

-11 ( +5 / -16 )

The best defense a country can have is friendly and respectful relations with all of its neighbors. A growing NATO signals a failure of diplomacy.

-10 ( +4 / -14 )

Putin wanted Ukraine as a neutral buffer zone, alas it came to this and now innocent Ukranians are paying the price.

Putin doesn’t get to tell other countries who they can associate with. Who does he think he is? Are Russia and Ukraine not equal members of the community of nations?

6 ( +11 / -5 )

Two out of the five in the photo have been on the record as pro-China. What kind of 'upgrade' are they intending?

Albanese (when in opposition) was against AUKUS, against Australia defending its rights against China and lecturing the then defense minister not to be 'war mongering'. Adern was lecturing the Australian to be more respectful of China and use diplomacy. They both speaks with forked tongue, do you trust them?

-8 ( +0 / -8 )

The reason for the invasion was the build up of US and NATO bases near Russia.

Was Putin really going to allow Ukraine to station foreign troops and missiles next to Russia?

If that was the reason, then I would say he has messed up pretty bad, as his existing border with NATO is about to get a lot bigger!

4 ( +8 / -4 )

If China was going to strike, they would not announce it or tell us when.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

@Gaijin land

I wouldn't call Australia and New Zealand Asia countries

The article is referring to the Asia-Pacific and Oceania /New Zealand and Australia are definitely Oceania.

Attention to detail and geography are well worth the effort.

-6 ( +5 / -11 )

China isn't going to strike Taiwan in a attack similar to Ukraine .

China will block Taiwan shipping ports with a flotilla of Chinese vessels.

I thought that was obvious

-11 ( +4 / -15 )

And yes NATO has definitely been expanding a wall of nations opposing Russia and rapidly ever since Clinton made that deal.

-8 ( +6 / -14 )

Kuri

The reason for the invasion was the build up of US and NATO bases near Russia.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine had little to do with NATO and everything to do with Putin wanting to expand Russia’s boarders and dominance.

He used the excuse of “de-Nazifing” Ukraine and “liberating” it’s people. Of course what he’s mostly “liberating” them from is their homes, land, and lives!

Putin also said he was only interested aiding in “peace-keeping” in Crimea, until he annexed it!

4 ( +8 / -4 )

No matter what you think about western "democracies" and the values that they represent, we clearly are on the verge of a second installment of the Cold War. It seems that this time, it's much more difficult to be non-aligned though.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

That's three photos of the LDP leader on the front page of Japan Today today, surely a new record. Anyone would thinks there's an election in the offing. Oh wait....

And on articles dealing with outer threats to Japan's security. I don't want to read too much into everything, but is it a coincidence the election was scheduled at around the time the PM gets to meet other leaders and make pledges about security?

2 ( +4 / -2 )

The reason for the invasion was the build up of US and NATO bases near Russia.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine had little to do with NATO and everything to do with Putin wanting to expand Russia’s boarders and dominance.

This shows the inability to see things beyond black and white terms. It's like saying, the lease agreement has little to do with the landlord wanting extra income and everything to do with the tenant wishing to rent a property. The same with "you're either with us or against us." It's another failure to see and admit that the reality is that there are more nations wishing to take neither sides.

-4 ( +4 / -8 )

What logic would there be behind that

For those people that have achieved critical thinking , attention to detail and situational awareness logic isn't something they struggle with.

Perhaps its understandable why strangerland is always backwards , inside out and upside-down.

-6 ( +6 / -12 )

OssanAmerica

Necessary

You recently also said that the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were necessary and justifiable.

All brought about by the actions of Russia and China

That's not correct !

-6 ( +5 / -11 )

NATO is a defence organisation and the greatest trick Putin has pulled is to get even Westerners repeating this line that NATO is threat to Russia's national security. Nobody's interested in invading Russia.

Very well said Tom!

2 ( +7 / -5 )

People forget that NATO was ALREADY on Russia's border. Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania all joined up after freeing themselves from the control of Moscow. But that didn't seem to matter. It's Ukraine and the fact that Putin and his war hawks feel that Ukraine is actually Russia! That it should be a part of the Russian state, not as a partner, in a union of some sort. But wholly absorbed into the Russian state as an integral part of Russia. The Russian Orthodox church has huge cultural roots in Kiev. The fields of Ukraine have fed subsequent Tsars and Presidents for centuries. Families are connected across the border. This is like if England were to invade Scotland because it declared independence.....that's how connected Ukraine and Russia are.

3 ( +8 / -5 )

But then what happens if Mad Vlad is successful and subjugates all of Ukraine? Then NATO is AGAIN RIGHT ON ITS BORDER. Poland......would Mad Vlad invade again?? This excuse about NATO is just that.....it's absolute FLUFF from a guy who feels that Russian manliness was slighted when Ukraine was given independence and he is determined to get it back at all costs.

5 ( +9 / -4 )

People keep saying this is about democracy.

Well is it,?

Imagine that after January 6 and when Biden took the office he and Congress voted to ban the Republican party, because most of those on January 6 were Republicans.

Well this week Ukraine officially and permanently banned the opposition party, no proof not trial just the fact they are Russian or support ethnic Russians rights, they received 20% of the vote (remember the last elections did not include the breakaway regions or Crimea so 20% of the not under Russian control or ethnic rebel control population.

On the same day Ukraine banned all Russian literature and music!

Really it is now illegal to play or sing a Russian song or read a Russian book!

Democracy?! More like jokeocracy.

You can try and argue about the opposition supporting the Russians but please please please don't try defending banned Russia literature and music.

-7 ( +3 / -10 )

It's like saying, the lease agreement has little to do with the landlord wanting extra income and everything to do with the tenant wishing to rent a property.

Actually it’s not anything like that, but nice try.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

UChosePoorly

Today 11:00 am JST

Putin wanted Ukraine as a neutral buffer zone, alas it came to this and now innocent Ukranians are paying the price.

> Putin doesn’t get to tell other countries who they can associate with. Who does he think he is? Are Russia and Ukraine not

Why not? The USA and it's Allies do it all the time, they are doing it as we speak in the middle East and I could give a long list of the USA doing it.

I guess this is another of the USA "do as I say not as I do" situations.

-3 ( +5 / -8 )

With the situation in the area there is little more that could help Japan. It is not going to directly confront China by itself, so NATO is a natural ally to seek support from.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

@fallaffel

I hope you realize that fallaffel is spelt falafel and being part of NATO perhaps is a false sense of security.

Better to not put all your eggs in one basket.

As far as iam concerned NATO is in the war business

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

Australia and New Zealand are already part of 5 Eyes. The group of the five most dominant English speaking countries. They don’t need nato membership. They share information that the US wouldn’t even share with Japan. Japan and Korea really are puppets

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Japan should stop poking it's beaky, desperate to have friends, nose into this kind of business.

Turning a blind eye no matter what in front of you like three monkeys. Right?

Why we can't accept we are irrelevant on the world stage is beyond me. It will get us into trouble.

Sure how nice if the world stage would be leaving Japan alone despite Russia/China/NK all so close around Japan.

The Russian and Chinese governments have completely different values to most of us. We should ignore them

Sure but how? breaking up all diplomacy?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Go KISHIDA!!!!!!

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

If Japan joins NATO, it would be very, very significant.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

putin was right. History lesson. He said NATO wants to expand, but that was not true at the time, but recent report suggest NATO wanted to expand for self preservation. Of course USA is boss of NATO, but a few years ago, the EU was seriously thinking of disbanding NATO and creating a EU Army without USA. USA was angry that member states were only paying 1.2% of their GDP or less. Also US has many bases in Europe, Six of which have US nuclear warheads and delivery systems. Putin was right.

NATO and their people might suffer, but the political leaders have been bought. Ukraine had the full support of the EU. They thought that they, the EU, was going to enjoy the 1990s prices for Russian commodities for the next few decades; that they were going to put in a puppet, Navalny, in Putin’s place then break up Russia; that the biggest EU nations will get to pick their own puppet for the other 4 former Russian states.

So they know very well. No one who makes it to the top of the national political process is naive.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Go KISHIDA!!!!!!

Where?

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Isn't NATO replacing meaningless UNSC? And Japan has already chosen which side to join.

NATO itself would be upgraded for sure.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

The free democratic world had no option

This is absolutely hilarious and the best chortle ive had in a while.

Thankyou fighto you are truly extraordinarily amazing !

Bravo !

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

If Japan joins NATO it would be very very significant

Goodness gracious iam sure putin would love it if Japan joined NATO !

Say goodbye to hokkaido then !

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

@Kyo wa heiwa dayo ne PUTIN IS the reason why NATO membership is growing, had Putin not invaded Ukraine NATO wouldn't be growing PUTIN made a fool out of himself. On another note Russia is fighting Russia they are no longer the threat they projected CHINA is laughing at Russia. Putin is following Xi tied to his belt loop!!!

If Japan joins NATO it would be very very significant

Goodness gracious iam sure putin would love it if Japan joined NATO !

Say goodbye to hokkaido then !

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

clown worldToday 07:53 am JST

Yeah, more wars for the US and the West and its military industrial complex. This is beyond stupid and dangerous...

Well your being premature to suggest China, Russia or North Korea will attack the US or the West but if they do they will soon wish they hadn't. The purpose of NATO, QUAD, AUKUS and others is defensive not offensive, as everyone well knows. They prepare and they deter by their readiness and cooperation. So you cant really say more wars for the US or the West. These meetings try to ensure there are no wars.

Nations like Russia who want to expand their borders will always look for the weaker nations to take from. NATO is far from weak and partner nations like Japan and Australia work for the same peaceful goals. in 2010 Russia was named as a NATO partner, but Putin thought it better to have them as enemies than friends and worked to create that type of relationship. He succeeded spectacularly.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

RodneyToday 08:18 am JST

Basically USA is saying to every country in the world, “you are either with us or against us”, pick your side now or we will destroy you. Membership is currently 2% of your GDP paid using SWIFT.

Not even close to the truth. The USA is saying nothing of the sort. NATO is saying we work with like minded nations to keep peace and rules based order. This in no way threatens any peaceful nation no matter who they are or where they are.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Russia is and will attract more and more people to become Russian citizens

Hopefully, the oligarchs will all return home. 20K Russian tourist aren't able to get home, about 120K Russian IT workers have left Russia so they'd have work.

Putin thinks that invading land turns those people in to Russian citizens, magically. Anyone who has dealt with the USSR knows that sometimes you just have to get in line and do what you are told, while you keep your mouth and nose shut to avoid the stench.

My Ukrainian neighbors HATE Russia and Russians, since they fled Ukraine in 2014. My family lived in Russia before fleeing to the USA too, though that was over 100 yrs ago. I have little doubt that some distant relatives were drafted into the Russian military and were part of the Ukrainian invasion in 2014 and again this year. Not all the family left for the US in the 1800s and early 1900s. The family lived in the Volgograd area, but never spoke Russian.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Japan should just change its constitution, re-arm militarily, develop its own nukes. All that joining foreign military organisations and bashing China is good for re-arming cause but lets get on with it and actually re-arm and nuke up.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Um have you not been watching the news? NATO didn't expand their borders towards Russia, Russia is expanding their borders towards NATO. Why is Putin provoking NATO by trying to expand their borders closer to NATO?

It seems that Strangerland certainly hasn’t as the expansion of NATO, towards Russia, since the 1990s would be something quite apparent…

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

It seems that Strangerland certainly hasn’t as the expansion of NATO, towards Russia, since the 1990s would be something quite apparent…

NATO didn't expand by invasion. The countries involved applied and joined NATO because they know Russia and were afraid.

The sad part is that Ukraine gave Russia the benefit far too long and they had other economic issues to deal with too. Ukraine is a warning for every neighbor to Russia, including Belarus. From the outside, Belarus may seem to have a choice to invite Russian military in, and that may be true for the 5% hardliners who support the current Belarusian dictator who won't allow and honor honest elections, but Belarusian people are afraid and many are old enough to remember what rule under the USSR was like.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

@Kaimycahl

Your confused !

How fanciful to imagine that NATO is a peace keeping humanitarian group and not a war mongering war profiteering military akin to pirates.

NATO is the reason for the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the reason for the prior Civil war that's been going on for 8 years in Ukraine.

Blaming it all on Putin shows clearly you don't understand.

Don't try to convince me that NATO wasn't growing before the invasion of Ukraine or the Civil war either.

Like i said before NATO started to rapidly expand after Bill Clinton made that deal .

That was quite sometime ago

Look it up !

Perhaps you'll learn something.

You should be concerned how other countries are being bamboozled into joining NATO

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

YKyo wa heiwa dayo ne said,

you should be concerned how other countries are being bamboozled into joining NATO

Bamboozled? I bet Ukraine and Belarus wish they'd joined NATO before Russia showed up.

How many citizens of NATO countries has the NATO military killed the last 30 yrs? Zero. How many Russians have died in Ukraine after the invasion of a peaceful neighbor in 2014? 30K?

Acting like it wasn't Russians invading in 2014 just shows stupidity. It clearly was Russians. The military equipment was tracked using social media by observant people. Between locals taking videos of Russian equipment on Ukrainian soil and Russian military personnel posting photos to their social media accounts with the equipment IN Ukraine, there's no chance this was fabricated. Don't be like an ostrich. Pull your head out of the sand.

Perhaps your VPN from China doesn't allow access to world-wide news and you don't know this is all proven?

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

@theFu

You just don't get it either do you ?

Why do you think Russia invaded Ukraine ?

The discussion is about the expansion of NATO member's and not questioning whether Russia invaded Ukraine.

Thats why i said previously "the Russian invasion of Ukraine"

Attention span issues ?

You think NATO is 30 yrs old?

How many wars and conflicts has NATO enticed ?

Because you read the news it's been proven ?

Bamboozled yes exactly ! !

By the way i live in Japan and iam swiss and i don't like China or Chinese very much !

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

@theFu

NATO was formed 73 years ago !

Clinton signed the NATO expansion agreement in 1996

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

You just don't get it either do you ?

No. I think is because attempts to connect things that aren't connected doesn't make sense.

Trying to connect the Russian invasion of Ukraine to something from 70 yrs ago makes little sense too. NATO was caused by the USSR, directly. About 30 yrs ago, the USSR fell apart with Belarus and Ukraine specifically deciding to denuclearize. Maybe that part of history isn't allowed through the VPN?

How many wars and conflicts has NATO enticed ?

That's extremely subjective. We'd never agree. I'd say that NATO hasn't started any armed conflict, but it won't stand by as genocide occurs.

There are many great parts to Switzerland being neutral for the world, but there is a nasty underbelly with that neutrality, as we learn more and more about Swiss banking and Swiss deposits used to hide stolen property from wars.

Looks like Switzerland is moving closer to NATO in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. They don't plan to join, but joint exercises are being discussed. It is about counter acting Russian aggression. I suppose.

Blaming it all on Putin shows clearly you don't understand.

NATO didn't tell Putin to invade Ukraine. Ukraine wasn't going to join the EU or NATO, but now they will once the invaders are ejected or buried.

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