The alliance is preparing both for dialogue with the Russian Federation and for the failure of negotiations
Brussels. January 7. INTERFAX - NATO wants a dialogue with Russia, but also foresees the possibility of a failure of diplomacy, as it considers the scenario of a military confrontation between Moscow and Kiev to be real, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Friday.
"NATO will enter into a conscientious and meaningful dialogue with Russia. But we must also prepare for the possibility of a failure of diplomacy," the head of the North Atlantic Alliance said at a press conference after an extraordinary online meeting of NATO foreign ministers, at which the situation around Ukraine and European security were discussed.
"That is why today the ministers stressed that any new Russian aggression against Ukraine will have serious consequences for Russia and a high price," Stoltenberg continued.
He called Russia's readiness to sit down at the negotiating table a positive signal. "Because when tensions are high, dialogue becomes even more important. On Wednesday, the allies will meet with Russia in the NATO-Russia Council," the Secretary General recalled.
At the same time, he pointed to "Russia's unjustified military buildup in and around Ukraine." According to him, "despite the appeals of the international community, for many weeks Russia has not taken steps to de-escalate."
The buildup of Russian forces, according to him, continues "with tens of thousands of combat troops and heavy military equipment." In addition, threatening rhetoric sounds from Russia.
"The risk of conflict is real. Russia's aggressive actions seriously undermine the security order in Europe," Stoltenberg stressed.
He assured that NATO countries continue to support Ukraine, its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and provide it with "political and practical support."
On Monday, the Secretary General of the alliance said, he will chair a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine commission with the participation of the head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Dmitry Kuleba.
