In a joint declaration issued following the NATO summit in London on December 3-4, the Alliance has reflected calls by the Baltic states and Poland to recognise Russia as a threat.
In a nod to NATO’s eastern members, the document states that the Alliance is “facing distinct threats and challenges emanating from all strategic directions [and includes] Russia’s aggressive actions [which] constitute a threat to Euro-Atlantic security”.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda told reporters on Wednesday he welcomed the allies’ understanding of Russia’s aggression.
Read more: Russia's actions in Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine 'far from finished' – Lithuanian President
"When sitting at the negotiating table, I got the impression that many states understand how turbulent the present-day world is, and that one of the factors is Russia's aggressive behavior toward its neighbours," the Lithuanian president said.
Despite French President Emmanuel Macron calling for a strategic dialogue with Russia and claiming Moscow is not a threat, the joint declaration states that the Alliance “remains open for dialogue, and to a constructive relationship with Russia when Russia’s actions make that possible”.
Echoing calls by Lithuania and other NATO member states, the document acknowledges that the Alliance is “facing cyber and hybrid threats”.
Read more: Lithuanian-led EU cyber force readies for deployment
“We are increasing our tools to respond to cyber attacks, and strengthening our ability to prepare for, deter, and defend against hybrid tactics that seek to undermine our security and societies,” the document reads.
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