Russian army’s presence on the Ukrainian border might intensify the conflict in Eastern Ukraine. Moreover, conditions presented by Russia to NATO can be barely fulfilled. The whole situation appears to be in a stalemate. It is difficult to imagine NATO accepting the conditions presented by Putin. NATO’s future decision not to expand would be a security suicide. Also, it is hard to believe European members of NATO would agree on that. Such an action would also send a negative signal toward current and future NATO allies. Countries slowly directing their foreign and domestic politics toward the EU and NATO would find themselves in a situation where no motivation to work toward western structures exists. Moreover, it would provide Russia with a tactical advantage of achieving its goals by using the army to put NATO under pressure whenever it is convenient for Putin again and again.

On the other hand, voices appeared calling for NATO to halt its expansion eastwards. Such a scenario would make sense to avoid intensifying the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in the short term. However, to completely cease prospects of Ukraine being a NATO member (or a close ally) would provide Russia with a tremendous opportunity to expand its sphere of influence westwards. Ukraine in the Russian orbit would not satisfy the expanding Moscow’s desires. After the Russian “conquest” of Ukraine is finished, Russia will aspire to gain influence in central European countries; regardless they are NATO members. It is no secret Putin would like to get former Soviet Union satellites under Russian influence again.