The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Allies, while welcoming Russia’s willingness to sit around the negotiating table on the Ukraine issue, are preparing for all eventualities, including a failure of diplomatic talks, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said after an extraordinary virtual meeting of foreign ministers on Friday 7 January.
At the press briefing, the Secretary General first expressed his regret at the attitude of Russia, which, despite repeated requests from the international community, is continuing the military build-up in and around Ukraine. “The risk of conflict is real”, he said, adding that Russia’s “aggressive actions” were “seriously” jeopardising security in Europe.
Mr Stoltenberg therefore said that the Allies remained committed to the dual approach of strengthening deterrence and building a strong defence “coupled with constructive dialogue”.
As such, he considered it “a positive signal” that Russia agreed to discussions next Wednesday in the framework of the NATO-Russia-Council, he said, noting that this was the first time since the summer of 2019. The issues of arms control and transparency of military activities will be central, he said.
“But we must also be prepared for the possibility that diplomacy will fail”, he said, adding that any further aggression against Ukraine would have “significant consequences and cost Russia dear”. He said that the Allies would, if necessary, strengthen their collective defence.
The role of the European Allies. Responding indirectly to European concerns about their possible marginalisation by Russia and the United States in the talks, the Secretary General provided assurances that no discussion would be held without Europe when dealing with European security.
NATO-Ukraine Commission. On Monday 10 January, a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission will be held with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. During his speech, Jens Stoltenberg stressed the Allies’ support for Ukraine and respect for its sovereignty and territorial integrity. However, he recalled that Ukraine was not a member of the organisation, but a close partner.
The Ukrainian issue is of great concern to the West. NATO hastily announced this virtual meeting of Allied foreign ministers on Tuesday 4 January to discuss Russian military manoeuvres on the Ukrainian border (see EUROPE 12681/16). The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, was in Ukraine from Tuesday 4 to Thursday 6 January (see EUROPE 12860/14). (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)