Russia is insisting NATO must never grant membership for ex-Soviet Ukraine and must withdraw its forces near Russia’s border….reports Asian Lite News
The foreign ministers of member countries of North Tlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) will hold an emergency virtual conference on Friday to discuss Russia’s military build-up around Ukraine, the alliance announced.
Tensions escalated in the past few months as the West has warned that Russia could be planning a full-scale invasion of Ukraine after massing some 100,000 troops at the frontier, it was reported.
Meanwhile, top officials from US and NATO are set to hold talks with Russia next week after Moscow laid down a list of demands for Washington and the Western military alliance.
The US and NATO have voiced concerns over Russia’s alleged preparations for invading Ukraine. Moscow has repeatedly denied the accusations, saying that Russia has the right to relocate the troops within its territory at its own discretion, while NATO’s military activity near Russian borders poses a threat to its security.
Russia is insisting NATO must never grant membership for ex-Soviet Ukraine and must withdraw its forces near Russia’s border.
Recently, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed with the representatives of the Bucharest Nine group Russia’s destabilizing military buildup near the Ukrainian border and the need for a NATO stance for collective defence.
“The Secretary and Foreign Ministers discussed Russia’s destabilizing military buildup along Ukraine’s border; the need for a united, ready, and resolute NATO stance for the collective defense of Allies; and transatlantic cooperation on issues of shared concern,” said State Department spokesperson Ned Price.
Blinken also stressed the United States’ commitment to close consultations and coordination with allies and partners as they work toward de-escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
“The Secretary stressed the U.S. commitment to continued close consultation and coordination with all of our Transatlantic Allies and partners as we work toward de-escalation through deterrence, defense, and dialogue,” he said in the statement.
According to State Department statement, the Bucharest Nine group – composed of NATO’s eastern flank allies, including Hungary, Poland and Romania. They also discussed with Blinken their solidarity with Lithuania in the face of escalating tensions with China after allowing Taiwan to open a representative office there, Price said.
Yesterday, US President Joe Biden told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a call that the United States and its allies will “respond decisively” if Russia invades Ukraine.
In a White House statement, President Biden expressed support for diplomatic efforts, starting next week with the bilateral Strategic Stability Dialogue, at NATO through the NATO-Russia Council, and at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. (ANI)
