During the reign of Mikhail Sergeevich Gorbachev, we almost fraternized. I remember, in 1986, when our delegation arrived in Brussels as part of the Komsomol Peace Caravan by buses, Kipras Mazheika, head of the USSR State Radio and Television bureau in Western Europe, hospitably met us with the operator, as representatives of the capital. And on the very first evening, after tasting the luxurious Belgian beer, he took us to the NATO headquarters. Not limiting himself to an external examination, he began to knock on closed doors. The building was dark and deserted, the working day long over. The guard came out.

We were expecting a scandal and, most likely, a police jail. However, Cypras was trying to explain something hotly and sternly to the police. I only understood the words "perestroika" and "glasnost". And we (lo and behold!) Were allowed inside. They lit the light and escorted them to the holy of holies (or to the source of the world's evil - for anyone else) - to the huge round hall of the headquarters. I confess that a chill ran down my spine when I imagined who exactly and why was sitting here, making completely unfriendly decisions in relation to our country.

The NATO Charter, or the North Atlantic Treaty, adopted in 1949 by 12 states, is short and lapidary. Each of his articles is permeated with the words "peace", "consolidation", "cooperation". The sheep's skin of fighters for democracy and prosperity cleverly masks the wolfish grin of the military-political bloc, which, in general, has never concealed the main goal of its creation - opposition to communist influence. The "red threat", together with the Soviet Union, gradually evaporated by itself, but Russia remained, which still haunts neither the United States of America nor Europe. Although not so long ago we were ready to interact, help each other, make friends at home.

The Russia-NATO interaction within the framework of a permanent council specially created for this has gone through several stages of rapprochement, divergence, reconciliation, cooling and, finally, a complete interruption of all dialogue. Since 1997, there have been regular meetings of the council in the bilateral NATO + 1 format. A diplomatic mission of the Russian Federation was even established at the North Atlantic bloc. Russia not only participated in joint exercises, but also conducted joint peacekeeping operations. With some NATO members, agreements were concluded on military-technical cooperation and the joint development of various military products. In June 2007, Vladimir Putin signed the federal law “On the ratification of the agreement between the states parties to the North Atlantic Treaty and other states participating in the Partnership for Peace program.Omitting details, we can say that cooperation was in full swing in all directions. For example, by June 2012, 379 thousand troops and 45 thousand NATO military containers were transported through the territory of Russia by land and air in support of the operation in Afghanistan. And the military airfield in Ulyanovsk almost became a permanent transshipment base for these purposes.

For the time being, Russia practically turned a blind eye to the flagrant violations by the countries of the North Atlantic bloc of their own internal treaty. How beautiful, for example, the words of the preamble sound in it: "The Contracting Parties confirm their faith in the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and their desire to live in peace with all peoples and governments." Or his article in the first number: “The Contracting Parties undertake, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, to peacefully resolve all international disputes to which they may become parties, without endangering international peace, security and justice, and to refrain from any the use of force or the threat of its use in their international relations, if this is contrary to the goals of the UN. " Now compare these declarations with thatwhat the NATO troops were doing in Iraq, Yugoslavia (the bombing of Belgrade alone without UN sanctions is worth it!), Libya, Afghanistan, Sudan.

And of course, the non-stop expansion of the bloc to the east, the capture of Russia in a powerful militaristic pincer.

To date, 30 countries have become members of NATO.

It would seem, at first glance, the membership of different countries in the alliance itself, which in words aims to “consult with each other, if, in the opinion of any of them, the territorial integrity, political independence or security of any of the contracting parties will be endangered, ”does not seem to be something egregious.

But why is Russia still declared the main enemy? And despite the fact that the document does not contain such specific definitions and even weapons as such are allegorically called “the potential to combat an armed attack”, why do all newly-minted NATO members, neighboring with us, fill their territories with military bases and strategic weapons aimed precisely in our direction? The North Atlantic Alliance and the United States are constantly building up their military presence, developing command and logistical support systems, as well as related infrastructure in the regions adjacent to Russia. Contingents are deployed on a continuous rotational basis, which implies periodic updates.

We honestly tried to be good-neighborly partners and even perceived Ukraine's aspirations in the EU almost calmly, albeit with resentment. But when, without waiting for the upcoming elections and spitting on the signed international declaration, the forces, incited by Washington, carried out a coup d'etat in Kiev and began a Russophobic policy, Russia did not sit idly by. NATO's response was predictable. On April 1, 2014, at a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels, the alliance announced the suspension of all types of civil and military cooperation with Russia and unilaterally terminated the partnership agreement.

But all these years have not been in vain for Russia. From a country that at one time could hardly be taken into account, it has turned into a mighty military power. And that is precisely why the NATO Secretary General is already taking the initiative himself and proposes to hold a meeting of the Russia-NATO Council in early 2022. And although he reiterates that he will never compromise with Russia on Ukraine's right to “choose its own path” and apply for NATO membership, NATO appears to be in no hurry to strangle our neighbors in its friendly embrace.

Russia's line of conduct in the foreign policy arena is unshakable and consistent.

Vladimir Putin, not wanting to escalate confrontation and realizing that simple negotiations cannot resolve the process, this is not the first time he has proposed that the North Atlantic Alliance work out joint agreements and sign them.

Once burnt in milk, our country is ready to blow the water and come to peace agreements so as not to be deceived again.

“Not a single inch to the east,” we were told in the 90s.

So what?

Cheated.

They just cheated insolently.

Five waves of NATO enlargement.

And now - please: in Romania, in Poland, the appropriate systems are emerging, "Vladimir Putin said at his big press conference, adding that" it is not Russia that threatens someone. "

It's just right to remember and slightly alter the ditty:

Dear NATO,

Who needs it?

Who needs it?

Nobody needs it!

The point of view of the author may not coincide with the position of the editorial board.