Russia poses serious threat to Euro-Atlantic security - NATO defense ministers

That's according to a joint statement of the heads of defense agencies of NATO allies, published on the organization’s website.

"We are gravely concerned by the very large scale, unprovoked and unjustified Russian military build-up in and around Ukraine and in Belarus. We urge Russia, in the strongest possible terms, to choose the path of diplomacy, and to immediately reverse its build-up and withdraw its forces from Ukraine in accordance with its international obligations and commitments. We remain committed to our dual-track approach to Russia: strong deterrence and defence, combined with openness to dialogue," the ministers said.

They stressed that the allies' joint commitment to Article 5 of the Washington Treaty remains “iron-clad,” and that NATO members stand united to defend each other.

"Russia’s actions pose a serious threat to Euro-Atlantic security. As a consequence and to ensure the defence of all Allies, we are deploying additional land forces in the eastern part of the Alliance, as well as additional maritime and air assets… and have increased the readiness of our forces. Our measures are and remain preventive, proportionate and non-escalatory. We are prepared to further strengthen our defensive and deterrent posture to respond to all contingencies," reads the statement.

As noted, NATO continues to adhere to the fundamental principles underpinning European security, including the right of each nation to choose its own security arrangements.

"We reaffirm our support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders. As stated previously, any further Russian aggression against Ukraine will have massive consequences and carry a high price. NATO will continue to closely coordinate with relevant stakeholders and other international organisations including the EU," the ministers said.

They emphasized that NATO and Allies would continue to pursue diplomacy and dialogue with Russia on Euro-Atlantic security issues.

"We support all these efforts, and efforts in the Normandy Format to implement the Minsk agreements. We have expressed our readiness to engage in a Renewed European Security Dialogue initiated by Poland as the current OSCE Chair. We have made substantive proposals to Russia to enhance the security of all nations in the Euro-Atlantic region and await a response. We have repeatedly offered, and continue to offer, further dialogue through the NATO-Russia Council, and stand ready to engage. We strongly encourage Russia to reciprocate and to choose diplomacy and de-escalation," said a joint statement from NATO defense ministers.

NATO and the United States have earlier provided Russia with a response to draft security guarantees agreements put forward by Moscow and reaffirmed the Alliance's key principles, including the right of sovereign states to decide on their own foreign policy path.

NATO Allies have consistently called on Russia to de-escalate Ukraine's borders and choose a diplomatic solution to the crisis.

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