RIGA, Latvia NATO and Russia exchanged heated language reminiscent of Cold War days on Thursday with accusations of sinister geopolitical plotting and human rights abuses flying across an increasingly deep divide.
NATOs top U.S. civilian official, Alexander Vershbow, said Thursday that an angry, revisionist Russia was stopping at little to re-establish its clout in Europe, including redrawing borders by force to achieve its goals.
Vershbow, the alliances deputy secretary-general, told a conference in Latvia that President Vladimir Putins aim seems to be to turn Ukraine into a failed state and to suppress and discredit alternative voices in Russia, so as to prevent a Russian Maidan, referring to the Ukraine uprising which ousted Moscow-ally Viktor Yanukovych as president last year.
He rattled off a litany of harsh accusations against the Kremlin.
Under Putin, Vershbow said, Russia has developed a new form of hybrid warfare, combining military intimidation, disguised intervention, the covert supply of weapons and weapon systems, economic blackmail, diplomatic duplicity and media manipulation, with outright disinformation.
In Moscow, Russian Deputy Defence Minister Anatoly Antonov blasted the West for trying to enforce its will on others and cast Russia as an enemy. He condemned NATOs decision to create command and control centres in the Baltic states and three other eastern allies, and to upgrade a headquarters unit in Poland calling those moves a clear signal that the alliance views Russia much as it once did the Soviet Union.
Antonov said that while attending the recent Munich security conference he was struck by mad, paranoid talk about Russias coming military onslaught. Western countries are building new divisive lines, he said. Russia has been picked up as a target.
Russias permanent representative to NATO, Alexander Grushko, said the alliance is dreaming of a Russian Maidan.
The European Union and NATO have been harshly critical of Russias involvement in the standoff in eastern Ukraine and the annexation by Moscow of the Crimea peninsula.
The 28 EU nations have imposed a series of sanctions against Moscow, including visa bans and asset freezes on top Russian officials, with Antonov being the latest addition to the list. Moscow rejects NATO claims that it has designs on its neighbours, countering that it the West that is using the Ukraine crisis to try to expand the alliance further east.
Read more:
NATO, Russia trade accusations
- NATO Protesters Receive 5- To 8-Year Prison Terms [Last Updated On: April 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 26th, 2014]
- NATO - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: April 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 26th, 2014]
- Latvia: US troops arrive in Baltics for NATO drill - Video [Last Updated On: April 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 26th, 2014]
- No NATO. May 2012. Archive. Chicago, Il - Video [Last Updated On: April 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 26th, 2014]
- Erkkio Tuomioja: "Nato suojaa Suomea meteoriiteilta". - Video [Last Updated On: April 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 26th, 2014]
- US troops arrive in Latvia for NATO exercises: Baltic states concerned by Russian military threat - Video [Last Updated On: April 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 26th, 2014]
- Voglio andare a vivere a Laveno dove e' nato Pozzetto - Video [Last Updated On: April 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 26th, 2014]
- OcaqTv - Rusiya NATO srhdini pozdu -- F-16-lar havaya qalxd - Video [Last Updated On: April 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 26th, 2014]
- Men of War Assault Squad Cold War Mod - NATO vs Warsaw Pact - Video [Last Updated On: April 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 26th, 2014]
- US troops in Poland: American soldiers arrive for NATO exercises in response to Russia threat - Video [Last Updated On: April 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 26th, 2014]
- Ancona 23-04-14 PdCI - La crisi dell'Ucraina, la NATO e l'UE: pericoli di guerra e lotta x la Pace - Video [Last Updated On: April 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 26th, 2014]
- Eastermonday Peace ralley NATO Bchel germany 21.04.2014 - Video [Last Updated On: April 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 26th, 2014]
- How to change Gear 2 Strap NATO no tool needed - Video [Last Updated On: April 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 26th, 2014]
- In Context: The War Report #3 - Ukraine and NATO - Video [Last Updated On: April 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 26th, 2014]
- On The Wrist Omega Speedmaster Black NATO Strap - Video [Last Updated On: April 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 26th, 2014]
- US, NATO expanding on Russia doorstep: Analyst - Video [Last Updated On: April 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 26th, 2014]
- NATO War Games Send Warning to Moscow - Video [Last Updated On: April 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 26th, 2014]
- NATO to deploy recon flights over Poland [Last Updated On: April 27th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2014]
- Nato News [Last Updated On: April 27th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2014]
- NATO - State [Last Updated On: April 27th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2014]
- NATO: Definition from Answers.com - Answers - The Most ... [Last Updated On: April 27th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2014]
- Marine Le Pen: Vyvediem Franczsko z NATO - francztina, rutina - Video [Last Updated On: April 27th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2014]
- 5 NATO troops killed in Kandahar Afghanistan UK's helicopter crash - Video [Last Updated On: April 27th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2014]
- European observers detained in Ukraine are branded 'Nato spies' - Video [Last Updated On: April 27th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2014]
- Prostittas priecjas par NATO karavriem Latvij - Video [Last Updated On: April 27th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2014]
- MV Bill - A Luz #PersianaBaixaMix (prod. DJ Nato pk) Part. @KmillaCdd - Video [Last Updated On: April 27th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2014]
- Furious Russia Proposes Retaliation Against NATO Countries! - Video [Last Updated On: April 27th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2014]
- Conversation: NATO's Evolving Mission - Video [Last Updated On: April 27th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2014]
- NATO supply trucks stuck in Pakistan - Video [Last Updated On: April 28th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 28th, 2014]
- NATO troops killed in Afghanistan helicopter crash - Video [Last Updated On: April 28th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 28th, 2014]
- Slovakia: NATO exercises in Central Europe - Video [Last Updated On: April 28th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 28th, 2014]
- "NATO 3" individuals sentenced - Video [Last Updated On: April 28th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 28th, 2014]
- NATO exercise scenario: Naval response to invasion of allied country [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2014]
- NATO News and Video - FOX News Topics - FOXNews.com [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2014]
- RAF Typhoons Arrive in Lithuania to Reinforce NATO Air Policing Mission - Video [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2014]
- Poland: French Rafale fighter jets join NATO force - Video [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2014]
- RAF Deploys Typhoon Jets To Bolster Nato Air Policing Mission - Video [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2014]
- Sunday 4/27/2014 - Tarpley Points Out Fake-OSCE Observers Are Actually NATO Military Officers - Video [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2014]
- Germany: Pro-Russians rally against NATO in Frankfurt - Video [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2014]
- April 28 2014 Breaking News NATO minesweepers set off on Baltic deployment - Video [Last Updated On: April 30th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 30th, 2014]
- NATO forces serve world bankers: Analyst - Video [Last Updated On: April 30th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 30th, 2014]
- 2 NATO troops killed in attack in eastern Afghanistan - Video [Last Updated On: April 30th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 30th, 2014]
- STEFANO BORGONOVO:ATTACCANTE NATO IL DOCUMENTARIO - Video [Last Updated On: April 30th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 30th, 2014]
- RAF Deploys Typhoon Jets To Bolster NATO Air Policing Mission [Last Updated On: May 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 1st, 2014]
- NATO opens second Baltic air base in Estonia with 4 Danish fighter jets amid Ukraine crisis [Last Updated On: May 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 1st, 2014]
- NATO triples fighter jets in Baltic countries - Video [Last Updated On: May 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 1st, 2014]
- Lithuania: US hands over NATO air patrol to UK - Video [Last Updated On: May 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 1st, 2014]
- Ukraine: Kerry announces more support from NATO towards coup - Video [Last Updated On: May 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 1st, 2014]
- Scoring Political Points? NATO bolsters forces in Eastern Europe - Video [Last Updated On: May 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 1st, 2014]
- Putin: NATO Chief Rasmussen secretly taped, leaked meeting when he was Danish PM - Video [Last Updated On: May 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 1st, 2014]
- Russia Accuses NATO of 'Provocative' Actions - Video [Last Updated On: May 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 1st, 2014]
- NATO & its future NAZI headquarters - Video [Last Updated On: May 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 1st, 2014]
- NATO Fest 2014 - Video [Last Updated On: May 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 1st, 2014]
- RAF Jets Respond To Ukraine Crisis 28.04.14 - Video [Last Updated On: May 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 1st, 2014]
- OSCE team in Ukraine NATO spies: Analyst - Video [Last Updated On: May 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 1st, 2014]
- NATO commander: Europe concept on international borders changed after Crimea annexation [Last Updated On: May 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 1st, 2014]
- NATO allies take over Baltic mission from Air Force [Last Updated On: May 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 1st, 2014]
- NATO official says Russia must now be viewed as more of an enemy than a partner [Last Updated On: May 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 1st, 2014]
- NATO official says Russia now an adversary [Last Updated On: May 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 1st, 2014]
- North Atlantic Treaty Organization - The New York Times [Last Updated On: May 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 1st, 2014]
- Estonian Air Base Turns Into Second NATO Baltic States Hub - Video [Last Updated On: May 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 1st, 2014]
- Finale Ligure Freeride H e Base nato con Patrik - Video [Last Updated On: May 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 1st, 2014]
- Ellodesse Mv.1, 2, 3 - nato in Synthesia - Video [Last Updated On: May 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 1st, 2014]
- NATO Boosts Presence in Eastern Europe Amid Continued Turmoil in Ukraine - Video [Last Updated On: May 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 1st, 2014]
- NATO's efforts to attain advancement in ariel warfare and defense HD Stock Footage - Video [Last Updated On: May 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 1st, 2014]
- Me Gusta By Nato 2014 - Video [Last Updated On: May 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 1st, 2014]
- Toward a Europe Whole and Free: Secretary of State John Kerry - Video [Last Updated On: May 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 1st, 2014]
- NATO official: Russian moves in Ukraine pose 'grave challenge' to global security system [Last Updated On: May 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 2nd, 2014]
- As NATO Builds It's Forces The Economy Is On The Brink Of Collapse -- Episode 355 - Video [Last Updated On: May 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 2nd, 2014]
- 15 years on: NATO's Murino Massacre of innocent children remembered In the NOW. - Video [Last Updated On: May 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 2nd, 2014]
- Nato -- finally finding its feet? - Video [Last Updated On: May 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 2nd, 2014]
- Europe Responds to Russian Aggression: NATO opens second Baltic hub at Estonia's Amari air base - Video [Last Updated On: May 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 2nd, 2014]
- NATO air strength triples in Baltic states - Video [Last Updated On: May 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 2nd, 2014]
- Russia now an adversary, NATO official says [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2014]
- NATO Movie - Video [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2014]
- The Expandables: NATO talking heads, war tech on 'crusade control' - Video [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2014]
- Friend to Foe? NATO's Deputy Head classifies Russia as enemy over Ukrainian crisis - Video [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2014]
- Tiger's Eye Dance by Oasis Dancers at 2014 NATO - JVC Version - Video [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2014]
- Cleopatra's Dance by Oasis Dancers at 2014 NATO - JVC Version - Video [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2014]
- Slave To The Rhythm Dance by Oasis Dancer at 2014 NATO - JVC Version - Video [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2014]