Russian attack on NATO troops in Ukraine does not trigger Article 5

NATO explains whether Article 5 will be triggered in case of a Russian attack on NATO troops in Ukraine

If Russia attacks the troops of the NATO on the territory of Ukraine, it will not be considered an attack on Allied nations and will not lead to automatic activation Articles 4 or 5 North Atlantic Treaty. This was announced by the head of the Ukrainian delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Yegor Chernev, Recalling the statement by the Secretary General of the Alliance Mark Rutte.

Details of the application

According to Chernev, the secretary general explained that the collective defence mechanism is only effective in the event of an attack directly on the territory of NATO member states.
Therefore, a possible attack on Allied forces in Ukraine does not legally fall under Article 5.

Also, according to him, in such a scenario, Article 4, which provides for consultations between allies in the event of a threat to the security of one of the member states, would not apply.

Context.

The issue of potential participation of military countries NATO in missions on the territory of Ukraine has been repeatedly discussed against the backdrop of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine.
Some of the allies allow for the expansion of formats of support for Kyiv, while the Alliance is trying to avoid a direct military clash with Russia.

Article 5 declarations remain a key element of strategic deterrence and security assurances for NATO member states.