BRUSSELS – NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg again called on Russia to end its support for illegal armed groups in Donbas and withdraw its forces from eastern Ukraine.
“NATO allies are united in their condemnation of Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and its aggressive actions in eastern Ukraine. We call on Russia to end its support for the militants in eastern Ukraine and withdraw its forces from your territory. I encourage Ukraine’s efforts in working towards a peaceful solution to the conflict,” Stoltenberg said on Feb. 9 in Brussels after a meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.
According to the Secretary General, during the meeting, the parties discussed “how we can further strengthen the partnership between NATO and Ukraine.”
“Ukraine is one of the NATO’s closest and most importer partners – you have provided troops to NATO missions and operations, including in Afghanistan and Kosovo, as well as in the NATO Response Force. We value these contributions, which demonstrate Ukraine’s commitment to Euro-Atlantic security. That is why, Ukraine is now an Enhanced Opportunities partner for NATO. This status will allow us to further deepen our cooperation,” he said.
To demonstrate, Stoltenberg gave an example of supporting “each other throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.” “The NATO Disaster Response Coordination Centre coordinated the delivery of medical aid to Ukraine, and the allies used Ukrainian aircraft to airlift equipment to counter the pandemic. Our Pandemic Response Trust Fund will be used to deliver critical medical supplies, including portable oxygen concentrates, mobile X-Ray units, personal protective equipment, and a large content of disinfectants will be delivered next week,” the Secretary General said.
In addition, during the meeting they discussed the security situation in Ukraine and the Black Sea region.
