The evolution of Russia – NATO relations in 2014-2015 and in short-term prospect

The article focuses on the relations between Russia and NATO against the background of a tense international situation. We pay attention to the consequences of the decisions taken at the summit in Wales in 2014, in particular, increasing of national defense expenditures. The duality in NATO’s approach towards Russia is maintained. Some NATO countries want to resume political dialogue with Russia, as they believe that this will contribute to the peace and security in Europe. By contrast, another group of NATO members, mainly the new ones from Eastern Europe, insist on a full freeze of the dialogue. They want NATO to serve the only goal - to contain and deter Russia. The final choice of the vector will depend on the implementation of the Minsk agreements designed to stop the bloodshed in the East of Ukraine