Russia-Ukraine tensions escalate: What are the pro-NATO countries & pro-Russia nations?

Ukraine-Russia border tension has become centre of attention for world as Moscow has positioned huge military forces along its eastern border. Although Russian government has stated that y are not looking forward to inving Ukraine and ir troops have been stationed re for only security purposes, US intelligence has claimed that Moscow is prepared for an invasion and is likely to launch a massive attack on Ukraine on Wednesday, February 16. It is important to mention here that key source of conflict between Kyiv and Moscow is Ukraine's desire to be a part of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which President Putin sees as a grave threat to Russia's borders. Along with United States, many NATO members have alrey shown ir support for Ukraine; here's everything you need to know.

What is NATO?

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, also known as North Atlantic Alliance, is an inclusive international organisation that guarantees freedom and security of its members through political and military means. Founded back in April 1948 in Washington, DC, hequarters of NATO is in Brussels, Belgium. North Atlantic Alliance aims to promote democratic values, and allows member countries to consult and cooperate on defence and security-related issues and prevent conflict.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Who are pro-NATO nations?

NATO consists of 30 countries: 27 in Europe, two in North America, and one in Eurasia.  countries include Albania that joined in 2009, Belgium became a part in 1949, Bulgaria joined NATO in 2004, Cana became a member in 1949, Croatia in 2009, Czech Republic in 1999, Denmark joined NATO in 1949, Estonia in 2004, France in 1949, Germany in 1955, Greece in 1952, Hungary in 1999, Iceland in 1949, Italy in 1949, Latvia in 2004, Lithuania in 2004, Luxembourg in 1949, Montenegro in 2017, Norway in 1949, Nerlands in 1949, Poland in 1999, and Portugal in 1949. Romania joined in 2004, Slovakia in 2004, Slovenia in 2004, Spain in 1982, Turkey in 1952, United Kingdom in 1949, and United States in 1949. According to NATO, its membership is open to "any or European state in a position to furr principles" of its treaty and to "contribute to security of North Atlantic area". Along with United States, which is standing at forefront against possible Russian invasion of Ukraine, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, and Denmark, among or countries, have shown support in favour of Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Pro-Russia Nations

Only China has joined Russia in opposing furr NATO expansion as both countries have been facing pressure from Western world. Recently, during a visit by Russia's Vlimir Putin to controversial Winter Olympics, Moscow and Beijing released a statement showcasing ir agreement on a raft of issues. Putin claims that West is using NATO defence alliance to undermine Russia, and Beijing has also me similar claims in past. Meanwhile, Russia also supports President Xi-Jinping's One China policy, which states that self-ruled Taiwan will one day become a part of China again. Notably, Beijing and Moscow share sound political relations and are rey to extend support in an hour of crisis. Although China has never openly mentioned Ukraine, it is clear that both countries oppose enlargement of NATO alliance.

Image: AP