PECULIARITIES OF THE SECURITY ENVIRONMENT FOR THE BUCHAREST NINE COUNTRIES IN TERMS OF THE RUSSIAN THREAT

Abstract

The article considers the peculiarities of the current security environment for the countries of the Bucharest Nine (B-9) in the context of the long-term Russian threat in the region. The study is based on using such research methods as a systematic approach for making a comprehensive analysis of the region of Central and Eastern Europe as a separate strategic space; a comparative method for identifying similar and different patterns in the assessments of current security challenges and threats by the Bucharest Nine states; and a content analysis of strategic documents, declarations and statements based on the results of meetings and summits of the B-9 countries and NATO member states. Within the framework of the article, the general role and significance of the Bucharest Nine format for regional security is characterized; the peculiarities and key aspects of the security threat from the Russian Federation for the B-9 countries are defined; the positions of the Bucharest Nine states on ensuring security in the region are determined depending on the internal and external contexts. In addition, the article considers the new realities of regional security for the B-9 countries with the beginning of a full-scale military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine on February 24, 2022, as well as new approaches to responding to the threat from regional security actors (in particular, the North Atlantic Alliance).