NATO sees no real signs of de-escalation around Ukraine yet, but is "some optimistic" about signals from Moscow that diplomatic efforts on the issue will continue. This was stated by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, reports TASS.
“So far we have not seen any evidence of de-escalation on the ground. There are signals from Moscow that diplomatic efforts must continue. This gives grounds for cautious optimism,” Stoltenberg said, adding that NATO continues to monitor the situation on the ground.
According to him, the alliance is ready to hold a series of meetings with Russia on the situation around Ukraine.
He also specified that on February 16-17, NATO defense ministers will discuss the strengthening of defense and the situation in the Black Sea region with colleagues from Georgia and Ukraine.
A few days earlier, Stoltenberg discussed the situation around Ukraine with US President Joe Biden and other leaders of the countries of the alliance. He called the risk of a Russian attack on Ukraine high and said that NATO countries are ready for any scenario.
The West has repeatedly accused Russia of the impending "invasion" of the territory of Ukraine. As an argument, Western politicians use the fact that the Russian Federation has allegedly increased its presence in the border zones with Ukraine - up to 125 thousand soldiers.
Moscow denies all accusations and emphasizes that any movement of troops across the country is a sovereign matter. NATO and the alliance's allies think otherwise and are preparing a package of sanctions in the event of an invasion.
bbabo.Net