And Jens Stoltenberg explained that “Russia defies European security, and that NATO must redeploy its forces,” stressing that the alliance “has strengthened its defense capabilities over the past months,” and thousands of soldiers have been deployed in the eastern part of Europe.
Regarding Ukraine’s support, he stressed that NATO is “in direct contact with the Ukrainian government” and that “military support is being provided to the forces there, especially the air defense systems.”
“Ukrainian forces are fighting bravely and are able to stand up to the Russian attack,” he added.
Stoltenberg stressed that “Russia has undermined security in Europe, and has violated its obligations under the pretext of NATO expansion,” stressing that there is “great suffering and destruction in Ukraine.”
NATO called on Russia to “stop its absurd war, withdraw its forces from Ukraine and return to dialogue,” stressing that Moscow “will pay a heavy price in the coming years,” and that Russian President Vladimir Putin “committed a strategic mistake.”
He added: “The Russian forces focused their efforts on Kiev, but they failed to achieve their goal.”
The Secretary-General of NATO also pointed the finger at Belarus, considering it “the facilitator of the Russian attack on Ukraine.”
And NATO had announced, Thursday, that it would “take additional steps to strengthen deterrence and defense measures,” and that it would hold an emergency summit of its 30 member states on Friday..