BRUSSELS, Belgium – NATO remains concerned about Russia’s military build-up surrounding Ukraine and the threat of an impending invasion, despite Moscow accusing the West of misinformation and ridiculing talk of an invasion. The spokesman for Russia’s foreign minister mocked Western on Wednesday “disinformation media” and suggested that the stores publish Moscow’s future schedule “invasions”, after getting the current one so wrong, so she could pick the date for her next vacation.
“A request to American and British disinformation media such as Bloomberg, The New York Times, The Sun, etc. Please announce the schedule of our “invasions” for the coming year. I would like to plan a vacation,“ Moscow Foreign Minister spokeswoman Maria Zakharova wrote on the Telegram.
Nevertheless, NATO defense ministers gathered in Brussels, Belgium, on Wednesday for a crisis meeting to discuss the events along Ukraine’s border.
“This was a factual discussion about the most serious security crisis in Europe in decades,” said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg immediately after the meeting with the group’s defense ministers.
“But so far we see no signs of downsizing on the ground. No withdrawals of troops or equipment.”
“Of course this can change. But what we are seeing today is that Russia has a massive invading force ready to attack. With advanced capabilities. From Crimea to Belarus,” the NATO chief said.
“This is the largest concentration of forces in Europe since the Cold War.”
“From the beginning, NATO allies have made it clear that further Russian aggression against Ukraine would come at a high cost. And we have called out Russia’s actions, plans and misinformation,” Stoltenberg said.
“At the same time, NATO remains ready for dialogue. It is not too late for Russia to take a step back from the brink of conflict. And to choose the path of peace.”
“NATO has sent concrete written proposals to Russia. On transparency, risk reduction and arms control,” Stoltenberg said.
“We have not yet received a response. I reiterate my invitation to Russia to meet again in the NATO-Russia Council.”
The Secretary General of NATO said that his organization will not compromise on fundamental principles, the right of every nation to choose its own path and its ability to protect and defend its allies.
“We have already improved our deterrence and defense. With more troops, aircraft and ships. And greater readiness for NATO’s response force. These steps are defensive. NATO is not a threat to Russia,” he said.
“We do not know what will happen in Ukraine. But the situation has already shown that we are facing a crisis in European security. Moscow has made it clear that it is ready to challenge the fundamental principles that have underpinned our security in Ukraine. “And to do so by using force. I regret to say that this is the new normal in Europe.”
“Therefore, the Ministers today decided to develop options to further strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defense, including considering establishing new NATO battle groups in central and eastern, southeastern Europe, and I welcomed France’s offer to lead such a battle group in Romania.” in Stoltenberg.
“Our military commanders will now work on the details and report back within a few weeks.”
Source: sn.dk