Aggression against Ukraine would come at high price for Russia, NATO agrees
That’s according to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg who spoke during a joint press conference with Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Brussels, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
“In our meeting today we also discussed the importance of strengthening our transatlantic bond in an age of global competition. Where countries like Russia and China are undermining the rules-based international order. Threatening their neighbors. And expanding their nuclear capabilities. Neither Europe, nor North America can face these challenges alone. We can only do so if we stand strong together in NATO,” Stoltenberg said.
He noted that he had discussed with Olaf Scholz Russia’s substantial military build-up in and around Ukraine, which “raises tensions and undermines security in Europe.”
“We call on Russia to return to diplomacy and to de-escalate, and to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. NATO Allies agree that any further aggression against Ukraine will come at a high price and have serious political and economic consequences for Russia,” the NATO chief stressed.
At the same time, Stoltenberg noted that the Allies welcomed the talks between U.S. President Joe Biden and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, as well as Germany’s long-standing efforts in the Normandy format to find a political solution to the conflict in and around Donbas.
“NATO remains open to dialogue. It is even more important when tensions are high. And we stand ready to meet in the NATO-Russia Council to increase transparency and reduce any risk of miscalculation,” said Stoltenberg.
Stoltenberg also praised Germany’s significant contribution to NATO operations in the Mediterranean and Kosovo, as well as efforts to preserve peace in the Baltic region.
As reported earlier, Olaf Scholz made his first visit as German Chancellor to Brussels where he had talks with EU and NATO leaders.
im
