We are ready to engage in dialogue with Russia, but we will not compromise on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of European countries - Stoltenberg
NATO has rejected Russia’s demands for non-enlargement of the Alliance and the withdrawal of Alliance forces from the countries of eastern Europe. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said it was a positive sign that all NATO and Russian allies sat down at the same table and engaged in substantive discussions.
He announced this at a briefing after the Russia-NATO Council summit in Brussels.
“Only Ukraine and 30 NATO countries can decide on readiness to join. Russia cannot veto here”, -the NATO Secretary-General said.
Stoltenberg noted that Ukraine is not a NATO member, and the 5th article on military assistance does not apply to it.
According to Stoltenberg, the West is ready to eliminate the risks of a Great War on the territory of the European Union. But it will not immediately intervene if a war breaks out in Ukraine.
"We must be prepared that Russia can once again choose a confrontation. Therefore, we have clearly stated that the use of force against Ukraine was a serious strategic mistake on the part of Russia. And for Russia, it will come at a very high price", - NATO Secretary-General added.
He stressed that NATO would not compromise on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of European countries.
According to the Secretary-General, NATO allies have called on Russia to de-escalate the situation. The Alliance recalled that it was Russia that used its forces against Ukraine. And they warned about serious consequences for the Russian Federation in case of further aggression.
"Russia has a military force in Georgia, Ukraine in Crimea, and Moldova. These military forces are of concern to the governments of these countries. These governments did not invite them there. We demanded that Russia withdraw these forces and respect the borders of all countries. It is necessary for security and peace in Europe. We are ready to engage in dialogue with Russia, but we will not compromise on core principles of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of every nation in Europe", - Stoltenberg said.
Key points from the briefing with Jens Stoltenberg
1.The parties intend to agree on mutual restrictions on missile weapons in Europe and on nuclear weapons. But it is still unclear when such meetings will take place. According to the NATO Secretary-General, the West seeks de-escalation.
2. According to Stoltenberg, Russia called not to admit Ukraine to NATO, the Alliance refused to provide such guarantees, but "the door will remain open to any country."
3. He called Russia an aggressor who used military force against Ukraine. In the event of an attack, Stoltenberg threatened Russia with a "high price", but without clarification.
4. The Alliance is considering opening NATO offices in Moscow and a Russian office in Brussels.
5. Russia has supported the idea of holding a series of further meetings with NATO in various formats to limit missile deployments, but no concrete proposals have been made yet.
What is known
- German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said Ukraine's accession to NATO is not currently being considered. He stressed that each country has the right to decide whether to join NATO or not.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that the Kremlin will not delay "different" answers if the United States and NATO do not comply with its demands for so-called "security guarantees".
- Sweden has rejected Russia's demand not to admit new members to NATO.
- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stated the right of Georgia and Ukraine to choose their own allies and stressed that the alliance would monitor the situation in Ukraine.
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