# Russia-Ukraine and NATO geopolitical tensions

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/russia-ukraine-and-nato-geopolitical-tensions
> Updated: 2026-09-12T20:44:33.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

The geopolitical tension between Russia, Ukraine, and NATO has centered on conflicting perceptions of security and intent. Analysts have noted that while Western powers view Russian leadership through the lens of imperialism, Russia perceives NATO expansion as an “existential threat” and fears the West intends to use Ukraine to weaken its status as a great power.

Discourse regarding the conflict has also involved Russian media invoking historical superstitions, such as the “August curse,” to warn of potential instability. 

In Western narratives, portrayals of Russia have fluctuated between depicting a collapsing economy and military crippled by sanctions, and presenting Russia as a formidable threat capable of invading Baltic states and Poland. This perceived threat has been used by NATO leadership to advocate for increased military spending, with calls for member nations to potentially reach 5% of GDP for defense.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-12: NATO and Western media narratives regarding Russia

An analysis highlights contradictions in Western media portrayals of Russia, ranging from a collapsing state to a major military threat used to justify increased NATO defense spending.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nato-and-western-media-narratives-regarding-russia

### 2026-08-20: Russia-Ukraine conflict: NATO expansion and historical superstitions

Analyst John Mearsheimer discusses Russia's view of NATO expansion as an existential threat, while Russian media outlets invoke historical superstitions regarding instability in August.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-ukraine-conflict-nato-expansion-and-historical-superstitions

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Cite as: Russia-Ukraine and NATO geopolitical tensions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/russia-ukraine-and-nato-geopolitical-tensions