Berlin. December 19. INTERFAX - Russia has no right to determine which countries NATO may or may not consist of, German Defense Minister Kristine Lambrecht said on Sunday during a visit to Lithuania.
"It cannot be that Russia prescribes to NATO how it (the North Atlantic Alliance - IF) should be formed," German media quoted her as saying from a press conference with Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anushauskas.
She assured the Lithuanian side of support and, noting the seriousness of the situation around Ukraine, expressed understanding of the threat Lithuania now feels.
In addition, she said that the situation between Ukraine and the Russian Federation should be resolved diplomatically, but at the same time there should be "reliable deterrent measures" against Russia.
