NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has warned Russia against violence towards Ukraine. Any use of force against Ukraine will have consequences and will come at a cost to Russia, the Norwegian said on Friday in Brussels.
The NATO chief again accused Russia of deploying troops, tanks, and other heavy equipment in the border area with Ukraine. Moscow must prevent further ‘escalation,’ he emphasized. Otherwise, it will ‘pay the price.’
Although there is no certainty regarding Moscow’s intentions, Russia has previously attacked Ukraine. Russia continues to illegally occupy Crimea, destabilizes Eastern Ukraine, and carries out cyberattacks against the country. All reasons for serious concern, Stoltenberg says.
Russia is urged to be transparent, to de-escalate, and to reduce tensions. “We are worried about what we see in and around Ukraine.” The U.S. government also commented on the situation: “We are always very concerned when we see unusual Russian military activity near Ukraine.”
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will attend next week’s NATO Foreign Ministers meeting in Riga. Blinken will also be present at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Ministerial Council in Stockholm.
Regarding statements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Russia is planning a coup in his country, a senior U.S. diplomat said: “I can assure you that we have taken note of the statements. The U.S. government is in contact with the Ukrainian government to further discuss the matter.”
Zelenskyy said to the press in Kyiv on Friday: “I have received information that on December 1, a coup will take place in our country.”