"We call on Russia to stop this stupid war immediately, to stop its offensive, withdraw all its forces from Ukraine and return to the path of dialogue away from aggression," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in his speech after the NATO Leaders' Summit.
As noted, the Kremlin's goals are not limited to Ukraine. "Russia has called for legally binding agreements to stop further NATO enlargement. Moscow is openly challenging the European international order and is using its power to achieve its goals," he noted.
He added that the world will call Russia and Belarus to account for their actions. "Russia is the aggressor and Belarus is the one facilitating the attack," he said."
Stoltenberg stressed that Putin's decision to continue the attack is a tragic strategic mistake for which Russia will pay a heavy price in the years to come.
He stressed that NATO and EU allies have decided to impose heavy sanctions against Russia. "We have to be ready to do even more even if it means paying a price because this will be a long process," he pointed out.
In this context, the NATO chief noted that in response to the massive buildup of Russian troops, NATO has strengthened its defenses and resolve.
"We are deploying elements of NATO's response forces, at sea, on land and in the air to respond immediately in any circumstance," he said.
As he explained, the US, Canada and Europe have deployed thousands of troops in the eastern part of the alliance. We have over 100 aircraft on alert in 30 different locations, over 120 ships from the North Sea to the Mediterranean including three aircraft carrier flotillas.
"We will do whatever is required to protect our allies and every inch of NATO territory," he noted."
Indeed, he said leaders today made clear they would continue to provide support to Ukraine. "Our response should be more support to countries like Georgia, Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina. We should help them to succeed in their democratic reforms."
"This crisis demonstrates the importance of a common stance between Europe and North America. There is no security in Europe without a strong transatlantic bond," he concluded.
Source: skai.gr
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