[HIGHLIGHTS] How did Russia-NATO relations evolve from partnership to the cusp of confrontation?

Relations between Russia and NATO have passed through various stages since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. They have gone from rapprochement to the degree of strategic cooperation, to divergence and rivalry.

Tension between the two sides began in 2008 due to discussions within NATO about the possibility of Ukraine and Georgia joining. Relations deteriorated completely in March 2014 after Russia's annexation of Crimea and the outbreak of armed conflict in eastern Ukraine. For the first time since the end of the Cold War, Russia was not invited to attend the NATO summit.