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NATO’s North Atlantic Council issued a statement on the buildup of Russian troops on the border with Ukraine and called on the Russian Federation to stop the escalation immediately.
It is reported by UA with reference to the statement of the North Atlantic Council.
“We are seriously concerned about the significant, unprovoked and unjustified accumulation of Russian military power on the borders of Ukraine in recent months, and we reject false statements by Russia about provocations by Ukraine and NATO. We call on Russia to stop escalation, use diplomatic ways and abide by its international obligations regarding military transparency”, the statement said.
According to the statement the North Atlantic Council seriously assesses the implications of the current situation for the security of the Alliance.
Read also: NATO supports Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, – Stoltenberg
“We will always respond decisively to any deterioration in our security conditions, including, if necessary, strengthening our defense position. NATO will take all necessary measures to ensure the security and protection of all NATO Allies. Any further aggression against Ukraine will have enormous and costly consequences. NATO will continue to coordinate closely with relevant stakeholders and other international organizations, including the EU”, NATO said.
The North Atlantic Council reiterated its support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and called on Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine.
“NATO’s relationship with Ukraine is only a matter of Ukraine and its 30 NATO allies. We categorically reject any attempt to share the security of the allies”, the Alliance said.
It was also noted that they are ready to conduct a constructive dialogue with the Russian Federation.
“We clearly understand that any dialogue with Russia should be based on reciprocity, taking into account NATO’s concerns about Russia’s actions, based on the basic principles and fundamental documents of European security, and take place in consultation with NATO’s European partners. If Russia takes concrete steps to reduce tensions, we are ready to work on strengthening confidence-building measures. The OSCE is also a relevant platform”, the statement reads.
Read also: Stoltenberg calls on Russia to return to diplomacy
