Thaw in relations between Nato and Russia?

The Debates feature from Euro|Topics offers English (+ French and German) translations of a selections of articles in European news sources on this topic.Commentators in various European newspaper noted in August 2016 that the Russian Defence Ministry had invited representatives of Nato to Moscow to discuss security in the Baltic Sea region. Russia wanted an agreement under which the military aircraft of both sides would only be allowed to fly over the Baltic with their transponders switched on. Commentators agreed that Nato should respond positively to Moscow's invitation to talk.

Media reports in October 2016 said Russia was reinforcing its Baltic Fleet in Kaliningrad with two small warships armed with long-range cruise missiles to counter what it saw as a NATO build-up in the region.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: NATO Secretary General welcomes frank and open discussions in NATO-Russia Council http://www.europeansources.info/record/nato-secretary-general-welcomes-frank-and-open-discussions-in-nato-russia-council/

ESO: Background information: Could NATO go to war with Russia … and what would happen if it did? http://www.europeansources.info/record/could-nato-go-to-war-with-russia-and-what-would-happen-if-it-did/

EurActiv, 26.10.16: Russia beefs up Baltic Fleet with cruise missile-armed ships http://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/russia-beefs-up-baltic-fleet-with-cruise-missile-armed-ships/

The Local.se, 26.10.16: Sweden: Russian warships in the Baltic 'worrying' https://www.thelocal.se/20161026/sweden-russian-warships-in-the-baltic-worrying

Deutsche Welle, 26.10.16: Russian NATO ambassador: 'There's no need for Russia to justify its peaceful intentions' http://dw.com/p/2RjgW

Deutsche Welle, 26.10.16: Warring words over warships http://dw.com/p/2RkaC

EUObserver, 26.10.16: Nato states pledge troops to Russia-deterrent force https://euobserver.com/foreign/135658

Radio Poland, 26.10.16: Poland defence minister concerned over Russian ships in Baltic http://www.thenews.pl/1/10/Artykul/277261,Poland-defence-minister-concerned-over-Russian-ships-in-Baltic

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