NATO is ready for a new armed conflict if negotiations with Russia fail – Stoltenberg

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NATO is ready for a new armed conflict in Europe if negotiations with Russia fail.

This was stated by Secretary General of the North Atlantic Alliance Jens Stoltenberg in an interview with the Financial Times, writes UA.

NATO Secretary General expressed hope for a diplomatic settlement of the situation, however, does not exclude the risk of conflict.

“I know the history of Russia. For centuries, she has had conflicts with her neighbors. But Russia has an alternative – to cooperate and work with NATO. The risk of conflict remains. NATO’s deterrent actions are credible. You have to hope and work hard for the best, but be prepared for the worst” – Stoltenberg emphasized.

As you know, from 10 to 13 January, a number of events related to security and peace will be held in Europe. So, on January 10, a bilateral strategic stability dialogue (SSD) between the United States and Russia will take place in Geneva, and a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine commission will take place in Brussels. On January 11-12, the US delegation will hold consultations with the NATO leadership, NATO allies and EU officials on European security issues in the context of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. On January 11, the US delegation will meet with EU officials and, together with allies, prepare for the Russia-NATO Council meeting. On January 12, a meeting of the Russia-NATO Council will take place in Brussels. On January 13, a meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council will take place in Vienna.

Earlier, military experts commented on the situation on the Ukrainian-Russian border.

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