NATO steps up defensive forces as response to Russia attacking Ukraine
We condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia’s horrifying attack on Ukraine, which is entirely unjustified and unprovoked. [...] We also condemn Belarus for enabling this attack,
said the Council.
"This renewed attack is a grave violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and is wholly contradictory to Russia’s commitments in the Helsinki Final Act, the Charter of Paris, the Budapest Memorandum and the NATO-Russia Founding Act. It constitutes an act of aggression against an independent peaceful country," it added.
NATO will always maintain its "full support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders, including its territorial waters," it pledged.
The Council called on Russia to "immediately cease its military action and withdraw all its forces from in and around Ukraine, to fully respect international humanitarian law, and to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to all persons in need."
NATO also "strongly condemns" Russia's decision to extend recognition to the separatist regions of eastern Ukraine.
This further violates Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and contravenes the Minsk agreements, to which Russia is a signatory. Allies will never accept this illegal recognition.
Russia will pay a very heavy economic and political price, said the Council.
"Russia’s actions pose a serious threat to Euro-Atlantic security, and they will have geostrategic consequences. NATO will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure the security and defence of all Allies," it added.
We are deploying additional defensive land and air forces to the eastern part of the Alliance, as well as additional maritime assets. We have increased the readiness of our forces to respond to all contingencies.
Today, NATO has held consultations under Article 4 of the Washington Treaty, deciding to
take additional steps to further strengthen deterrence and defence across the Alliance.
"Our measures are and remain preventive, proportionate and non-escalatory," it said.
"Our commitment to Article 5 of the Washington Treaty is iron-clad. We stand united to defend each other."
Cover photo: Mikhail Svetlov/Getty Images
