But it is important to stay in dialogue, said Stoltenberg after a meeting of the NATO-Russia Council on Wednesday in Brussels.
(Photo: AP)
Brussels According to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, the differences between Russia and the West are difficult to bridge. But it is important to stay in dialogue, said Stoltenberg after a meeting of the NATO-Russia Council on Wednesday in Brussels. “That wasn’t an easy discussion.”
There are significant differences between the two sides, but the NATO states are ready for further talks with Russia. “The meeting was very useful,” said the Secretary General. At the same time, however, he confirmed that Russia had no say in the question of Ukraine’s possible accession to NATO. Rather, the government in Moscow must ensure that the situation on the border with Ukraine is de-escalated.
The expectations for the meeting in Brussels were low. However, the formation of the so-called NATO-Russia Council was already seen as positive. It was the first time since July 2019 that both sides held talks in this format.
Against the background of the Russian troop deployment on the border with Ukraine, NATO member Estonia is discussing the stationing of further NATO soldiers in the Baltic states. “Of course we are discussing with our allies to increase their presence here to act as a deterrent,” said Estonia’s Prime Minister Kaja Kallas in a video interview with Reuters from Tallinn on Wednesday.
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“If you look at the map, the Baltic states are a NATO peninsula, and that’s why we have our worries.” She didn’t give any details. In Brussels, a NATO diplomat told Reuters that the question of further deployments in the Baltic States could be discussed by the defense ministers of the 30 NATO countries at their meeting in mid-February.
Russia has pulled together almost 100,000 soldiers on the Ukrainian border. The USA and several European countries are warning of an invasion of Ukraine. The government in Moscow denies invasion plans.
While the US is calling for troops to be withdrawn from the border, Russia insists that NATO undertake not to include Ukraine in the military alliance and not to expand further east.
More: Comment: In the Russia dispute we need tough negotiations – and, if necessary, severe sanctions