Jens Stoltenberg: Russia poses “a real risk for a new armed conflict in Europe”.
As of January 7 At the extraordinary meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels, ahead of the January 12 NATO-Russia Council meeting, Alliance Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warned of the risk of armed conflict in Europe posed by Russia.
“The Russian military build-up has not stopped, it continues. And they are gradually getting stronger with more forces, more capabilities, we see armored units, we see artillery, we see combat-ready troops, we see electronic warfare equipment, and we see a lot of different military capabilities, which are gradually developing in and around Ukraine.
The United States has been very clear that there would be no decisions on European security, no discussions on European security, without Europeans at the table. And that is exactly why we welcome the United States for consulting NATO Allies so closely … it is very important that European Allies and also Canada are involved and closely consulted as the United States s ‘are engaging with Russia on these issues.
“And the challenge is when you see this progressive military build-up combined with the ominous rhetoric. The rhetoric that if you don’t do exactly as we say and accept our demands they know they are not acceptable, violating fundamental principles for European security, combined with the track record of Russia which has already used force against its neighbors, Georgia and Ukraine. The capabilities, the rhetoric and the track record – of course that sends a message that is a real risk for a new armed conflict in Europe. ”
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