Ukraine conflict: reason for “cautious optimism”

No relaxation, but signs of hope: NATO sees no signs that Russia is actually withdrawing troops from the border with Ukraine. But Putin’s willingness to engage in dialogue gives reason for “cautious optimism.”

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg sees no signs of a Russian troop withdrawal from the border with Ukraine. “So far we haven’t seen any Russian de-escalation,” Stoltenberg said before the NATO defense ministers met in Brussels. “On the contrary: Russia seems to be continuing the military deployment.” However, there is “reason for cautious optimism” given the signs of Russia’s willingness to engage in dialogue.

Lambrecht: “Announcements must be followed by action”

Federal Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht called the Russian troop deployment “continued to give cause for concern”. With a view to Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to Moscow on Tuesday, she also emphasized: “There are signals that at least give us hope.” However, it is important to see whether the Russian announcements are followed by action. NATO must continue its dual strategy of deterrence and dialogue.

Peskow calls for a “sober” assessment of the situation

Russia called on NATO to take a sober look at the situation in the Ukraine conflict. “In NATO there are problems in assessing the situation,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov in Moscow, according to the Interfax agency. The situation is not judged soberly. The Ministry of Defense had previously announced that troops would be withdrawn after the end of maneuvers.

President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed his willingness to continue negotiations. The Kremlin said that Putin prefers dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the Ukraine crisis and sees it as a positive sign that US President Joe Biden is also seeking dialogue.

Biden had previously warned against a Russian invasion of Ukraine. He justified this in a televised speech with the now “more than 150,000” Russian soldiers on the borders with Ukraine.

NATO discusses strategy

The defense ministers of the 30 NATO countries want to discuss their position on Russia at their two-day meeting. At the same time, the military alliance wants to exchange views on permanently strengthening its presence on the eastern flank. A new multinational combat unit in Romania is also under discussion.