…AS UKRAINE TEMPORIZES ON NATO EXPANSION.

Lukashenko’s remarks and the putative Russian-Belarusian military alliance underscore the delicate position of Ukraine regarding NATO expansion. Ukrainian president Leonid Kuchma repeated to the press yesterday that Ukraine opposed any rapid expansion of NATO, preferring instead a long-term process that would avoid splitting Europe into two military and political blocs. (12) Many Ukrainians fear that NATO expansion will increase Russian pressure on Kiev, a tendency that would worsen should Russia and Belarus conclude a military alliance of any significance.

Has Baltic Fleet Commander Really Been Dismissed?