After a day of constant escalation, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with the press after an extraordinary meeting on the Ukraine crisis.
– We condemn Moscow’s decision to recognize the Ukrainian regions. Moscow has now switched from cover-ups to destabilizing Ukraine, to overt military action. Stoltenberg says this is a dangerous escalation for Russia, and a clear violation of international law.
Stoltenberg asserts that they have evidence of the presence of Russian forces inside Ukraine.
“On Monday night, we saw additional Russian forces moving into the Donbass, as well as in parts of Donetsk and Luhansk,” Soltenberg said. He says that the Russian forces are now out of the military camps and ready to attack.
“Everything indicates that Russia is preparing for a full-scale invasion of Ukraine,” the Secretary-General said.
A Ukrainian soldier is patrolling the Donetsk region, where NATO says Russian troops have increased in the past 24 hours. Photo: Gleb Garanish/Reuters
It is believed that this action hinders diplomatic attempts to find a solution to the region.
– What we see now is that the country that has already been invaded, is suffering from further invasion, he says.
A crisis created by Russia
– This has serious consequences for European security. He continues: This is a crisis created by Russia alone.
– We will continue to help Ukraine with strong political support, and the country’s allies will help the country with equipment for its own defense, as well as financial support, as promised by the Secretary-General.
For several months, Russia has been preparing huge military forces in and around Ukraine, including in Belarus. Russia now has more than 150,000 soldiers, as well as helicopters and military vehicles.
– Many troops are now ready for battle. Stoltenberg says they are out of their military camps and ready to attack.
Preparing for attacks outside Russia
Shortly before the press conference, it became known that Russian President Vladimir Putin had asked the Russian Senate for permission to use Military power outside Russia. The confirmation of this permission came as Stoltenberg spoke during the press conference.
Stoltenberg blames Vladimir Putin and Russia for the security crisis in Ukraine. The president does not appear to have any plans to step down immediately. Photo: Sputnik via The Associated Press
“The request to use military force outside Russia’s borders only reinforces the pattern of Russia’s actions in recent months, which has led to our most tense security situation in decades,” Stoltenberg said in response to a reporter’s question.
Ready to defend Ukraine?
Stoltenberg says NATO is ready to defend Ukraine, and warns that there will be major consequences if Russia continues its aggression. The NATO leader is behind the economic sanctions and strongly urges Russia to choose a diplomatic path forward.
– We see continuous military rearmament. They promised to retire, but instead they upgraded. We see that they are getting out of the military camps and ready to attack.
– This is the most dangerous security situation in Europe this generation, says Stoltenberg.
Asking for a diplomatic solution
– It’s not too late to attack. That is why we continue to demand that Russia withdraw and de-escalate. We ask them to participate in diplomatic talks in good faith to find a peaceful solution.
On Tuesday, the West was largely united over its condemnation of Russia. Britain has already announced sanctions against five Russian banks, a large number of members of the State Duma and three influential people.
Several western actions are on the way. The European Union will present its sanctions package against Russia in a short time.
US President Joe Biden will speak on the Ukraine crisis at 7 PM Norwegian time. You can follow the development live on tv2.no or on Nyhetskanalen.
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