Meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission takes place in Brussels

Before the meeting, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg once again expressed support for Ukraine. He assured that Russia's further aggression against Ukraine will have high political and economic cost.

According to Jens Stoltenberg, Ukraine is a valuable and long-standing NATO partner, and today's meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission takes place at the beginning of an important week for European security: «Our meeting in the NATO-Ukraine Commission is a timely opportunity to exchange assessments on the situation. To express Allies’ strong political and practical support to Ukraine. And to coordinate ahead of diplomatic engagements with Russia».

The meeting of the Russia-NATO Council is scheduled for Wednesday in Brussels, convened by the Alliance's Secretary General following the Kremlin's so-called «security demands» and demands for non-enlargement. Another OSCE talks with Russia will take place in Vienna on Thursday. The US is also negotiating with Russia today on the platform of the Strategic Security Dialogue in Geneva. However, the NATO Secretary General is convinced that it is premature to have high hopes for this series of meetings. «So it's not realistic to expect that when we have finished this week, when we have finished meetings that are all scheduled that the problems will be solved.But I really hope that there is a real will on both sides. Including on the Russian side. It is on the NATO side. To engage in a process that can prevent new armed conflict in Europe», —Jens Stoltenberg said.

Last Friday NATO Foreign Ministers held an extraordinary virtual meeting to discuss Russia's buildup in and around Ukraine and its implications for European security.

Speaking at the meeting, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said: «Russia's aggressive actions are seriously undermining security in Europe. NATO remains committed to our dual approach to Russia: strong deterrence and defence combined with meaningful dialogue. This is a positive signal that Russia is now ready to sit down and talk, because when tensions are high, dialogue becomes even more important».

Following the meeting, the ministers stressed that any further aggression against Ukraine will have significant consequences and a high price for Russia. The Allies continue to fully support Ukraine, its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the principle that all countries have the right to choose their own path.