NATO condemns Russia’s destructive behavior in Skopje, urges it to withdraw from Ukraine immediately

NATO allies condemn Russia’s illegal occupation of Ukraine and destructive behavior at the OSCE. Allies reiterate that Ukraine’s future lies in NATO.

A statement by the Luxembourg delegation, also on behalf of Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg and Montenegro , the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Sweden was issued after the OSCE Summit in Skopje, which condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“Peace in the OSCE area has been destroyed. Russia’s illegal, unjustified and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine, which we condemn in the strongest terms, seriously undermines the Euro-Atlantic security order. “It is a clear violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and goes against the principles and commitments of the OSCE, such as those contained in the Helsinki Final Act,” the statement reads.

These countries stated that they reaffirmed their unwavering solidarity with Ukraine.

“We will never recognize Russia’s attempts at illegal and illegitimate annexations, including of Crimea.” We fully support Ukraine’s right to self-defense and to choose its own security measures. Ukraine’s future lies in NATO. We remain committed to strengthening political and practical support for Ukraine for as long as necessary. We welcome other OSCE participating States supporting Ukraine.”

The statement goes on to say that there can be no impunity for Russia’s human rights violations and breaches of international humanitarian law, including war crimes such as the forced deportation of children.

“Furthermore, we condemn attacks on energy infrastructure, especially in winter.” Russia’s war has also severely damaged the environment, nuclear safety and global energy and food security. We are committed to ensuring that Ukrainian grain exports continue and actively support international efforts to alleviate the global food crisis.”

“We call on all countries not to provide any support to Russian aggression. Belarus’ support was important as the country continues to secure its territory and infrastructure to enable Russia’s attacks on Ukraine. Belarus must end its cooperation with Russia and return to respecting international law. We condemn the announced deployment of nuclear weapons and nuclear-capable systems by Russia in Belarus.”

Russia is the most significant and direct threat to our peace, security and stability, allied nations said.

Russia seeks to create spheres of influence and direct control through coercion, subversion, disinformation, aggression and illegal annexations.

“Russia’s military rise, including in the Baltic, Black Sea and Mediterranean regions and the High North, together with its military integration with Belarus, poses a challenge to our security.” Russia’s posture, increased hybrid actions, including by proxy, and irresponsible nuclear rhetoric, as well as the use of force in pursuit of its political objectives, undermine the rules-based international order.”

NATO declared that “we do not seek confrontation and pose no threat to Russia”.

Russia must end its aggressive behavior and fully respect international law.

“We remain ready to maintain open channels of communication with Moscow to manage and mitigate risks, prevent escalation and increase transparency, including with the OSCE.” We will significantly strengthen deterrence and protection, increase our resilience and remain committed to supporting our partners in countering malign influence and aggression.”

Russia has instigated conflicts in the OSCE area and obstructed efforts to resolve them.

“We call on Russia to end its occupation of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and to withdraw all forces and material stationed in Georgia and Moldova without their consent.” We strongly support their sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within their internationally recognized borders.”

Russia continues to show disregard for arms control.

“We condemn Russia’s withdrawal from the historic Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe. Consequently, the Allied States Parties intend to suspend the effectiveness of the CFE Treaty for as long as necessary. We remain united in our commitment to effective conventional arms control as a key element of Euro-Atlantic security. This complements the Alliance’s preventive and defensive posture, which the Allies want to further strengthen.”

Russia must end its war of aggression immediately and withdraw completely and unconditionally from Ukraine, NATO demanded.

“We are committed to achieving a just and lasting peace that upholds the principles of the UN Charter and therefore welcome President Zelensky’s peace formula.”

NATO condemns Russia’s destructive behavior in Skopje and calls for its immediate withdrawal from Ukraine.

/The Geopost