In 1990, the European Peace and Security Order of Paris overcame the Yalta order of 1945, replaced confrontation by cooperation. The new order was based on the cornerstones of international law principles, common values and a balance of security interests ensuring strategic restraint. The central objective and promise of the order of Paris was to establish a common space of cooperative security based on equality and reciprocity. By annexing Crimea and intervening in the civil war in Easter Ukraine, Russia has violated the principles of international law. It was the first annexation of territory of a neighboring country since 1945, which rattled the foundation of the European peace order. Nonetheless, the deeper roots of the conflict cannot be found in Russian action alone. Tensions between the United Stated, a number of other Western states and Russia have been growing since 2001.