The NATO Secretary General said that the "provocative" accumulation of Russian troops near the Ukrainian border continues despite international pressure, the Anatolian Agency quoted him as saying.
"We do not see any signs that this accumulation is stopping or slowing down. On the contrary, it continues, "NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters after meeting with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky.
During the meeting, according to Stoltenberg, they discussed Russia's military build-up around Ukraine, which includes "tens of thousands of combat-ready troops, tanks, artillery, armored units, drones, many electronic warfare systems."
He said the significant mobilization was unjustified. It is provocative, destabilizing and undermining security in Europe. "
Stoltenberg said the Alliance "will strive for better relations with Russia" and that NATO remains open to dialogue with Moscow within the NATO-Russia Council, a platform for co-operation established in 2002.
However, he reiterated his position that Russia has no say in Ukraine's NATO membership, as the decision is up to Kiev and its 30 NATO allies.
Speaking about the NATO-Ukraine partnership, Stoltenberg explained that NATO supports the country with command and control of cyber defense, and that the Allies provide equipment to strengthen the capabilities of the Ukrainian army through the NATO Agency or in a bilateral format.
He also noted that NATO's cooperation with Ukraine is defensive and does not threaten Russia in any way.
"The aggressor here is Russia, which uses military force against Ukraine, illegally annexed part of Ukraine, Crimea in 2014, and continues to stabilize eastern Ukraine," Stoltenberg added.
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