NATO's Call to Russia

Russia has previously used force against its neighbors, and it cannot be assumed that the Russian troops' buildup near the Ukrainian border is “just a bluff,” said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, according to RIA Novosti.

“This year, for the second time, we have seen Russia bring thousands of soldiers close to the Ukrainian border... I cannot speculate about Russia's intentions. But we have seen that Russia has already used force against its neighbors in the past. Therefore, it cannot be assumed that this is merely a bluff,” Stoltenberg stated to the German newspaper Welt.

According to the alliance's Secretary General, NATO is ready to continue providing “political and practical support to Ukraine so that the country can defend itself against aggression.” He added, “I urge Russia to de-escalate the tensions. At the same time, we remain open to dialogue with Russia. When tensions are high, dialogue plays an even more significant role.”