The allegations dealt by Russia emphasize the tension held between the two countries over the past few years. Russia has expressed its discontentment with Ukraine’s possible membership in NATO, warning that its involvement within the organization would be counterproductive in providing international security. In the past, NATO has attempted to reassure the ex-Soviet state that its eastward expansion is not a threat to its security, although its role in the post Cold War world is still largely undefined. Russia fears NATO absorption of Ukraine and Georgia will cause it to be geopolitically encircled, thus upsetting its power and influence over former Soviet satellite states. Russia has continued to put pressure on Ukraine over its possible NATO membership and remains skeptical of NATO’s intentions.