NATO will support Ukraine so that it can defend itself – Stoltenberg

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NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the Alliance is ready for dialogue with Russia, but will never compromise on the basic principles of European security.

This is reported by UA with reference to DW.

“We are going through a critical period for European security. We listened to Russia and announced our positions. We are ready for a dialogue with Russia, but we will never compromise on the foundations of European security” – Stoltenberg said.

According to him, the discussion at the meeting of the Russia-NATO Council on January 12 was very heated. Now Russia has a choice – dialogue or confrontation with the West. At the same time, Stoltenberg warned of the consequences for the Russian Federation in the case of a military escalation against Ukraine.

“We have clearly stated that there will be serious consequences for (attack on – ed.) Ukraine in the form of severe economic sanctions. We will support Ukraine so that it can improve its ability to defend itself” – the NATO Secretary General said.

He also added that the NATO countries will do everything necessary not only to protect the eastern flank of the Alliance, but also to deter any aggression against the allies.

To remind, on January 12, following the meeting of the Russia-NATO Council, the Secretary General of the Alliance Jens Stoltenberg said that the issues of Ukraine’s membership in NATO would be decided only by the member countries of the Alliance, and Russia does not have the right to veto in this matter.

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