NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg following the extraordinary virtual Summit of NATO Heads of State and Government.
(As delivered)
25 Feb. 2022 –
Last updated: 25 Feb. 2022 21:34
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
“Good evening.
Allied leaders have just met to address the gravest threat to Euro-Atlantic security in decades.
I invited NATO’s close partners Finland, Sweden, and the European Union to our Summit.
Because this crisis affects us all.
Russia has shattered peace in Europe.
The people of Ukraine are fighting for their freedom in the face of Russia’s unprovoked invasion.
We deplore the tragic loss of life, enormous human suffering, and destruction.
“Our thoughts are with those killed, injured, and displaced.
We call on Russia to stop this senseless war.
Immediately cease its assault.
Withdraw all its forces from Ukraine.
And turn back to the path of dialogue.
And turn away from aggression.
The Kremlin’s objectives are not limited to Ukraine.
Russia has demanded legally binding agreements to renounce further NATO enlargement.
And to remove troops and infrastructure from Allies that joined after 1997.”
We are facing a new normal in European security.
Where Russia openly contests the European security order.
And uses force to pursue its objectives.
The world will hold Russia and Belarus accountable for their actions.
Russia as the aggressor.
Belarus as the enabler.
“President Putin’s decision to pursue his aggression against Ukraine is a terrible strategic mistake.
For which Russia will pay a severe price for years to come.”……………………..
“President Putin’s decision to pursue his aggression against Ukraine is a terrible strategic mistake.”
5 Key Points of the Press Conference
- Russia has shattered peace in Europe.
- The people of Ukraine are fighting for their freedom in the face of Russia’s unprovoked invasion.
- We deplore the tragic loss of life, enormous human suffering, and destruction.
- We call on Russia to stop this senseless war.
- Russsia has demanded legally binding agreements to renounce further NATO enlargement.
Press Conference Continued:
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg
“NATO Allies and the European Union have already introduced significant sanctions.
And many of our partners around the globe have joined us.
We must stand ready to do more.
Even if it means we have to pay a price,
Because we are in this for the long haul.
At the same time, the Russian people must know:
that the Kremlin’s war on Ukraine will not make Russia more secure.
It will not make Russia more respected in the world.
It will not lead to a better future for your children.
In response to Russia’s massive military build-up over the past months,
we have already strengthened our deterrence and defence.
Yesterday, NATO Allies activated our defence plans.
And as a result, we are deploying elements of the NATO Response Force.
On land, at sea, and in the air.
To further strengthen our posture.
And to respond quickly to any contingency.
The United States, Canada and European Allies have deployed thousands of more troops to the eastern part of the Alliance.
We have over 100 jets at high alert operating in over 30 different locations.
And over 120 ships from the High North to the Mediterranean.
Including three strike carrier groups.
There must be no space for miscalculation or misunderstanding.
We will do what it takes to protect and defend every Ally.
And every inch of NATO territory.
Leaders today also made clear that we must continue our support to Ukraine.
The Kremlin is trying to make NATO and the EU provide less support to our partners.
So our collective answer must be more support.
To countries like Georgia, Moldova, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
To help them succeed with their democratic reforms,
and pursue the path that they have freely choosen.
More than ever, this crisis demonstrates the importance of North America and Europe standing together in NATO.
There is no security in Europe without a strong transatlantic bond.
With that, I’m ready to take your questions.
Further 5 Key points of the Press Conference.
- NATO Allies and the European Union have already introduced significant sanctions.
- Kremlin’s war on Ukraine will not make Russia more secure.
- It will not make Russia more respected in the world.
- And as a result, we are deploying elements of the NATO Response Force.
- he United States, Canada and European Allies have deployed thousands of more troops to the eastern part of the Alliance.
Source: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/opinions_192455.htm