Fact Check: NATO started the war with Russia

Fact Check: "NATO started the war with Russia"

What We Know

The claim that "NATO started the war with Russia" is rooted in a complex historical context involving NATO's eastward expansion and Russia's geopolitical ambitions. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly cited NATO's expansion as a primary grievance, arguing that it represents a betrayal of promises made to Russia in the 1990s. According to Jeffrey Mankoff, Russia's invasion of Ukraine was justified by Putin through a series of grievances, including NATO's role in shaping post-Cold War security in Europe. Mankoff notes that while NATO's expansion was a significant concern for Russia, the invasion was also driven by deeper issues regarding Ukrainian identity and statehood.

Further, Becky Sullivan highlights that NATO's founding principles allow any European country capable of meeting its criteria to join, which includes Ukraine. Putin's assertion that NATO's eastward movement was a broken promise has been contested by Western leaders, who maintain that no formal agreement existed to prevent NATO's expansion. This perspective is supported by historical analyses indicating that discussions around NATO's expansion were complex and often misrepresented by both sides.

Analysis

The claim that NATO started the war oversimplifies the multifaceted nature of the conflict. While NATO's expansion is indeed a point of contention for Russia, it is not the sole cause of the war. Mankoff emphasizes that the invasion reflects a broader Russian ambition to assert control over Ukraine, which goes beyond NATO membership concerns. This viewpoint is echoed in the historical context provided by Sullivan, who explains that while there were discussions about NATO's future during the Cold War, no binding commitments were made that would prevent its enlargement.

The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is generally high. Mankoff is a distinguished research fellow at the Center for Strategic Research at the National Defense University, lending credibility to his insights on the geopolitical implications of NATO's actions. Sullivan's reporting for NPR is also well-regarded, providing a balanced view of the historical context surrounding NATO's expansion and Russia's response.

However, it is important to recognize the potential biases in these narratives. Russian state media and officials often frame NATO as an aggressor, which can skew public perception and international discourse. Conversely, Western narratives may downplay legitimate Russian security concerns regarding NATO's expansion.

Conclusion

The claim that "NATO started the war with Russia" is Partially True. While NATO's eastward expansion has contributed to tensions between Russia and the West, it is not accurate to say that NATO alone instigated the conflict. The war is the result of a combination of factors, including historical grievances, national identity issues, and Russia's broader geopolitical ambitions. Thus, while NATO's actions are a significant element in the narrative, they do not singularly account for the outbreak of hostilities.