Russia, NATO Plan Closer Ties
Rome summit ushers in fresh relationship for former Cold War enemies

May 26, 2002

Nato and Russia will on Tuesday unveil proposals which, if implemented, could radically shake up the defence ministry in Moscow.

The proposals are outlined in the confidential declaration of the new Nato-Russia Council (NRC) to be signed by the alliance's leaders and Russian president Vladimir Putin at a summit in Rome on Tuesday.

The summit ushers in a new relationship for the former cold war enemies, with Russia winning a physical foothold at Nato headquarters and Nato hoping to influence Moscow as it redefines its defence doctrine. The declaration sets out a timetable for joint projects and suggests ways Nato could help Russia restructure its defence ministry, train military personnel and revamp military expenditure - an issue that has for several years been regarded as off-limits.

It also details how both sides will "explore the possibilities" of establishing an integrated Nato-Russia training centre and promote joint operations between the two military forces.

Mr Putin had lobbied hard in European capitals for such a summit. Diplomats said he wanted to establish authority in the NRC, where Moscow will often have an equal say with the 19 Nato members.

But Moscow's ties to the US-led military alliance irk Russia's defence establishment and foreign ministry "old guard". The defence ministry is particularly suspicious of Nato plans for an expansion that would welcome up to seven new members by November.

It is also concerned by the decision of Ukraine, Russia's large neighbour, to seek Nato membership. Yevhen Marchuk, chief of Ukraine's defence and security council, said the authorities will officially apply in July when Lord Robertson, Nato secretary general, visits Kiev.

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