Petrovska: We do not believe Russia is withdrawn until we see movement on the ground

The Minister of Defense of Northern Macedonia, Slavjanka Petrovska, said today in Brussels that her country does not see a real withdrawal from the border with Ukraine.

“Political statements are just a step away from that de-escalation. But you know how, in order to be convinced of the declared de-escalation we have to see movement on the ground as well. This is what we expect and hope in the coming period we will see it “, said the minister for the state news agency MIA, reports The Geopost.

Petrovska attended today’s meeting of NATO Defense Ministers in Brussels to reaffirm the determination of member states’ defense and collective defense, as well as the need for dialogue to resolve the crisis in and around Ukraine.

“We give the last chance for dialogue, for a diplomatic solution. As an Alliance and as ministers, we have an obligation to protect the territorial integrity and security of all member countries of the Alliance,” said Minister Petrovska.

Regarding security in Northern Macedonia, according to her, the situation is under control and stable.

“At the moment there are no real threats to the security of our state. It is stable, it is understood that the institutions each in its competence are ready and working on it,” said the Minister of Defense.

Petrovska met today in Brussels with her Slovenian counterpart Matej Tonin, Greek Defense Minister Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos, Bulgarian Defense Minister Stefan Janev and Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar.

Otherwise, Russia yesterday announced the withdrawal of some of its troops around Ukraine, but for NATO member states these warnings are not enough.

Weeks ago, Petrovska provoked the reaction of the Russian Embassy in Skopje with her statement that Northern Macedonia will send troops to Ukraine if NATO so requests.