On 20 April, for the first time in 2 years, a NATO-Russia Council was held again. Earlier all civilian and military cooperation between NATO and Russia was suspended, following the annexation of Crimea by Russia. While the talks lasted about 90 minutes more, the meeting was characterised by differences, and the two did not get closer. One of the reasons were differences on Syria and Ukraine. When it comes to Ukraine, Russia still frames the conflicts in the Donbass region of Ukraine as a civil war, although being the main player in destabilizing the region. NATO has urged Russia to adhere to international law, and as long as it does not do that, cooperation would be impossible. What both sides did agree on however, that implementation of the Minsk II Agreement is essential. It is unclear when and if a new Council meeting will take place.

Russia considers NATO, and especially its expansion when it comes to military presence and incorporating new members, as a threat to its security. In the meanwhile, NATO seeks to play a larger role, to secure its Eastern European members, that are concerned their sovereignty might be breached as well like Ukraine’s. Recently, Russia has been conducting more military operations as well. Furthermore there have been more controversial incidents by Russian warplanes, such as continuous breaches of the airspace of European countries, as well as a recent simulated attack on an US vessel.

The NATO-Russia Council was set up back in 2002, following an increase in relations between NATO and Russia, and was the follow up of the former Permanent Joint Council. The format was intended for ''equal partners'' and to function as a platform for NATO states and Russia to cooperate on security with regards to issues of mutual interest. As of 2014 however, the official website states all practical military and civilian cooperation has been suspended, and only political dialogue could continue. 

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