NATO Deputy Secretary General: "NATO Is Not Bound by Agreement to Prohibit Eastward Expansion"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] The NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) Deputy Secretary General stated that the so-called 'no eastward expansion' agreement, which prohibits the deployment of troops in Eastern Europe, has effectively been nullified.

According to AFP on the 29th (local time), Mircea Geoan?, NATO Deputy Secretary General, said in an interview, "Russia has nullified the NATO-Russia Founding Act signed in 1997 by attacking Ukraine and ceasing dialogue with the alliance."

This act stipulates that both sides will not deploy forces that threaten each other across Europe, including Eastern Europe. It also includes an agreement not to regard each other as enemies.

Deputy Secretary General Geoan? added, "Russia pledged not to invade neighboring countries but invaded Ukraine, and promised to hold regular talks with NATO but has not done so. I believe this act is not functioning because of Russia."

He further emphasized, "Now NATO has no restrictions on taking a tough stance in the east or protecting NATO territory under Article 5 of the Charter." Article 5, which means 'collective defense,' states that an attack on one NATO member is considered an attack on all NATO members.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.