The NATO-Russia Council met in Brussels on January 12, to discuss the situation in and around Ukraine and the implications for European security
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg chaired the meeting, while all 30 NATO members and representatives from Russia had a direct exchange on the Ukraine situation and a number of topics related to European security.
During the meeting, Russia raised the proposals aimed at addressing its security concerns, which included demands “to stop admitting any new members to NATO and withdrawal of NATO forces from eastern countries.
However, NATO allies reaffirmed NATO’s Open Door policy and the right for each nation to choose its own security arrangements.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said, “Allies made clear that they will not renounce their ability to protect and defend each other. Including with presence of troops in the eastern part of the Alliance.”
NATO allies also expressed serious concern about the Russian military build-up in and around Ukraine, called on Russia to immediately de-escalate the situation and to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbors.
NATO partners stressed that “Allies are ready to meet again with Russia to have discussions in greater detail, to put concrete proposals on the table, and to seek constructive outcomes.”
“All this means that our dialogue is difficult, but even more necessary. NATO Allies stressed that they will make every effort to find a political way forward,” Stoltenberg added.
According to Secretary General Stoltenberg, NATO allies offered to look at arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation and address reciprocal limitations on missiles and nuclear policies.
“On lines of communications, NATO Allies are interested in looking at ways to improve civil and military communications channels, and the possibility of re-establishing our respective offices in Moscow and Brussels,” Stoltenberg said.
Both Russia and NATO allies expressed the need to resume dialogue and to explore a schedule of future meetings.
