Where does NATO stand in the Russia v/s Ukraine clash with Article 5?

Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine has sparked outrage, prompting a barrage of missile attacks that have killed hundreds of people in recent days. At the same time, Russian troops circle significant cities, resulting in the "fastest-growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War II," according to the United Nations' high commissioner for refugees. From arming Ukrainian soldiers to giving humanitarian aid to placing sanctions on Russia and Vladimir Putin himself, NATO member countries have taken steps to block Moscow's advance or otherwise lend Kyiv support.

Despite allegations of war crimes and human rights breaches in Ukraine, NATO countries get embroiled into the conflict – or even inadvertently dragged into it – by patrolling Ukraine's airspace or stationing troops on Ukrainian soil, for example. They cite Article 5, which governs the military alliance between 28 European countries and two North American countries committed to ensuring peace and security in the North Atlantic region.

What is Article 5?

1. As stated by the alliance, Article 5 is the "principle of collective defence at the very heart of NATO's founding treaty".
2. It was signed in 1949, and it holds so much impact that since its signing, it has been used only once. which is after the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Centre in the US.
3. It says that if any member country is under attack, the other countries will assist the attacked party in the war to maintain the security of the North Atlantic region.

How does Article 5 operate?

1. Article 5 is not automatic. Each country has a chance to respond.
2. It doesn't force anyone to do specific things for an attack. After a member country gets attacked, all the other countries come together and check whether all 30 nations agree to the attack or not.
3. The time of the process depends upon the responses of the countries.

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