Some time ago Russia decided to terminate diplomatic ties with NATO. Now the alliance urges the country to reconsider and once again engage in a NATO-Russian peace dialogue, said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
He says discussions were held by NATO ministers of defence on 30 November. Three topics were discussed – the concentration of Russian military forces near Ukraine, Aleksandr Lukashenko’s regime in Belarus and NATO’s role in arms control.
Stoltenberg said the situation in and around Ukraine remains unpredictable. He also said there is no clarity in regards to Russia’s intentions.
«We can see the concentration of armed forces that is unjustified and unclear. It is also accompanied by a provocative rhetoric and disinformation. We know Russia has used its military against Ukraine and other of its neighbours. We are united in our goal to deter Russia from any more aggressive actions,» said the NATO secretary general.
NATO foreign affairs ministers urge Russia to be transparent, de-escalate the situation and tension. Stoltenberg says any new act of aggression from Russia towards Ukraine will have a high price and serious political and economic consequences.
«The ministers have made it clear there must be no ambiguity when it comes to NATO commitment. All of us stand together to protect our allies. We will continue evaluating the situation to ensure we have all necessary plans in place,» said Stoltenberg.
«We will continue providing political and practical support to our partner – Ukraine.»
He explained that NATO will maintain twin-track approach towards Russia – defence and deterrence approach towards Russia’s aggressive behaviour.
NATO ministers discussed the situation present on the NATO and EU external borders and Lukashenko’s regime in Belarus – using migrants to exact pressure on Poland, Latvia and Lithuania. Stoltenberg stresses this is cynical and inhumane, adding that NATO ministers have expressed support and solidarity for affected allies. He also said NATO works with the EU very closely to oppose this hybrid campaign.
According to the NATO secretary general, ministers of foreign affairs have also discussed arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
He stressed it is NATO’s priority, because the alliance stands in favour of a world without nuclear arms. Since the end of the Cold War NATO has significantly cut its nuclear arsenal.
«We also support he most important arms control treaties. We see trends that cause concerns. Russia and China continue growing their arsenals and treaties are abandoned. NATO allies are committed to continuing our efforts to enhance arms control. We live in a dangerous world. We need more predictability and transparency,» said Stoltenberg.
NATO wants to restore peaceful dialogue with Russia
