MAGAZINE
FALL 2020
“ NATO has become the world ’ s best
example of a Cooperative Security organization
”
Richard Cohen & Michael Mihalka
Furthermore , cooperative security that incorporates the traditional international security arrangements of Collective Security and Collective Defense , also adds two new elements , these being Human Security and Active Promotion and Projection of Stability . This arguably leads to a balance between hard and soft power within the Alliance . While , obviously Human Security stands at the center of any international security system built around liberal democratic norms , NATO has put in place different mechanisms to promote stability in the areas beyond its boundaries , including the NATO – Ukraine Joint Commission .
Speaking in particular about Ukraine as one of NATO ’ s strategically important partners – a front-liner against Russia – does not underestimate the value of all the others when it comes to enhancement of Euro-Atlantic international and regional security , promotion of democratic values , and support for NATO-led operations and missions .
It is however worth noting that Ukraine , whose relations with NATO date back to the early 1990s , have developed into one of the most substantial of the Alliance ’ s partnerships . Very recently , on June 12 , 2020 , Ukraine became one of six countries claiming the title of Enhanced Opportunity Partner . These nations make significant contributions to NATO operations and other Alliance objectives . As such , Ukraine will benefit from tailor-made opportunities such as enhanced access to interoperability programs and exercises , and more sharing of information , including lessons learned .
Ukraine in NATO Today , Ukraine has more NATO programmes than most other Partners and aspires to become a NATO member . In June 2017 , the Ukrainian Parliament adopted legislation reinstating membership in NATO as a strategic foreign and security policy objective .
What led Ukraine towards all those achievements has been a commitment to defend its own sovereignty . This commitment that did not stop , rather intensified , in the wake of the Russia- Ukraine conflict . The Ukrainian Armed Forces were able to maximise their involvement with Allied Forces during NATO and bilateral exercises in or near Ukraine ’ s territory . In 2019 , Ukraine participated in 33 multinational exercises , six of which were NATO exercises open to Partners . The plan for 2020 was for it to participate in 38 multinational exercises , 10 of which were NATO exercises open to Partners . However , due to COVID-19 restrictions some of them have been postponed .
Furthermore , Ukraine has continued to support Resolute Support Mission and KFOR , and in February last year it was recognised as a potential operational partner for NATO Mission Iraq . Meanwhile , NATO has reinforced its support for capability development and capacity-building . The Allies continue to condemn Russia ’ s illegal annexation of Crimea , and its destabilising and aggressive activities in eastern Ukraine and the Black Sea region . LANDCOM identifies Ukraine as a prioritised Partner , and its interactions with Ukraine reflect that importance . Ukraine is a very active Partner in NATO ‘ Operational Capability Concept Evaluation and Feedback program ( OCC E & F ) for evaluating and certifying units , and LANDCOM has had a heavy commitment in supporting Ukraine with its OCC E & F program , including in its annual Exercise Rapid Trident . Additionally , multiple and regular LANDCOM Mobile Training teams ( MTTs ) are a visible contribution to Ukraine ’ s efforts . Ukraine has also prioritised LANDCOM with the provision of a very experienced staff officer embedded in the LANDCOM headquarters . LC
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