'This war did not start in 2022, it started in 2014, when Russia illegally annexed Crimea and entered eastern Ukraine,' Stoltenberg writes in his Annual Report 2022. At the Madrid Summit in June 2022, the Allies agreed a fundamental shift in deterrence and defence to make clear that they will defend every inch of NATO territory. According to Stoltenberg, 'In light of its hostile policies and actions, NATO cannot consider Russia to be a partner, 'but nevertheless the Alliance is willing to keep open channels of communication with Moscow to manage and mitigate risks, prevent escalation and increase transparency.'
