BRUSSELS — NATO chief
Jens Stoltenberg warned
Russia on Monday of "severe costs" if it launches a further attack on
Ukraine, saying he hoped crunch talks could chart a way towards a diplomatic
solution.
اضافة اعلان
"We are working hard for a peaceful political path and
we are ready to continue to work with Russia to try to find that path towards a
peaceful solution," Stoltenberg said before meeting Ukraine's deputy prime
minister.
"At the same time, we need to be prepared that Russia
once again chooses to use armed force, chooses confrontation instead of
cooperation."
Stoltenberg was speaking as high-ranking US and Russian
officials held a high-stakes meeting in Geneva over the crisis.
That will be followed Wednesday by talks in Brussels between
Russia and all 30
NATO allies.
"We also need to send a very clear message to Russia,
that we are united and that there will be severe costs — economic, political
costs — for Russia if they once again use military force against Ukraine,"
Stoltenberg said.
He pointed out that the alliance provides "support to
Ukraine, helping them to uphold the right for self-defense".
Stoltenberg said he did not expect the talks this week to
"solve all the issues", but wanted to kick start a process towards a
political solution.
"We are aiming for an agreement on a way forward, a
process, a series of meetings," he said.
Moscow has laid down a raft of security demands for the the
US and NATO — such as excluding granting Ukraine membership of the alliance and
pulling back forces close to Russia.
The US and allies say it is not up to Moscow to determine
the path taken by other countries — but insist they are willing to listen to
Russia's "concerns".
Olga Stefanishyna, one of Ukraine's four deputy prime
ministers, said "any discussions on the security guarantees should start
with the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory.
"Russia demands unconditional surrender, demands to
undermine the basic principles of functioning of the democratic countries and
the principles of NATO," she said.
"We believe that Russia miscalculates the situation and
we strongly rely on our allies and their unity and assertiveness in protecting
security and stability in Europe."
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