NATO says Russia remains direct threat to its security

That's according to the Washington Summit Declaration issued by the heads of state and government participating in the meeting of the North Atlantic Council in Washington on July 10, Ukrinform reports.

"Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has shattered peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area and gravely undermined global security. Russia remains the most significant and direct threat to Allies' security," the document reads.

At the same time, it states that Russia bears "sole responsibility" for its war of aggression against Ukraine, a blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter.

"There can be no impunity for Russian forces’ and officials’ abuses and violations of human rights, war crimes, and other violations of international law.  Russia is responsible for the deaths of thousands of civilians and has caused extensive damage to civilian infrastructure," the declaration reads.

Allies also condemned in the strongest possible terms Russia's horrific attacks on the Ukrainian people, including on hospitals, on July 8.

"Russia must immediately stop this war and completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its forces from Ukraine in line with UN General Assembly resolutions. We will never recognize Russia's illegal annexations of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea," the declaration states.

NATO member countries also called on Russia to withdraw all of its forces from the Republic of Moldova and Georgia, stationed there without their consent.