NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday denounced the “irresponsible and unprovoked attack” from Russia to Ukraine and warned that it put “countless” lives at risk.
“I strongly condemn Russia’s unprovoked and irresponsible attack on Ukraine, which puts countless civilian lives at risk,” Stoltenberg said in a statement.
“Once again, despite our repeated warnings and tireless efforts to engage in diplomacy, Russia has chosen the path of aggression against an independent and sovereign country,” the diplomat added, announcing a meeting of NATO allies to address the “consequences of Russia’s aggressive actions.”
Stoltenberg described the events as “a serious violation of international law and a serious threat to Euro-Atlantic security.” “I call on Russia to cease its military actions immediately and to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine,” he said.
assured that “NATO will do whatever is necessary to protect and defend all of its allies“.
His statement came after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine, after which explosions were heard in several cities in the country.
Ukraine is not a member of the military alliance of 30 Western countries, but its attempts to become part of it have irritated Putin.
The Russian president demanded guarantees from NATO and the United States that Ukraine will never be admitted to the alliance, and has deployed thousands of troops along the border with that country.
Stoltenberg has said that NATO does not plan to send soldiers to fight in Ukraine if Russia attacks.