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NATO countries unanimously reject Russia’s demands in the Ukraine crisis
The NATO states have criticized Russia’s military approach in the Ukraine crisis. The foreign ministers of the 30 member states of the alliance made this clear at a virtual conference on Friday, according to Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. NATO is sticking to its principle of a country’s right to self-determination, stressed Stoltenberg, with a view to Russia’s demand that Ukraine should not be accepted into the alliance. “All countries, regardless of their size or who are their neighbors, have the right to choose their own path and their alliances.” Stoltenberg emphasized that the US would coordinate its bilateral talks with Russia closely with its European allies. “The USA was very clear: there will be no decisions and discussions about security in Europe without the Europeans sitting at the table. And that’s why we welcome the fact that the USA is working closely with its NATO allies.” With a view to the upcoming NATO-Russia Council on Wednesday, the foreign ministers emphasized the need for diplomacy, dialogue and de-escalation, according to the US delegation. Russia has gathered almost 100,000 soldiers on the border with Ukraine. The Moscow government rejects allegations that it is preparing an invasion. Instead, they want to make it clear that Moscow will not accept NATO’s further eastward expansion.
NATO is sticking to its principle of a country’s right to self-determination, stressed General Secretary Jens Stoltenberg, referring to Russia’s demand that Ukraine should not be accepted into the alliance.