Stoltenberg says security risks from Russia will be Europe’s “new normal”

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said in Brussels today that Russia still maintains a massive invading force on its borders, and is ready to attack. After the ministerial meetings, on behalf of 30 NATO members, Stoltenberg said that they are working on the new concept of the Alliance, reports The Geopost.

“This was a substantive discussion on the most serious security crisis in Europe in decades. Allies welcome all diplomatic efforts. And there are signs from Moscow that diplomacy could continue. But so far, we do not see any sign of de-escalation on the ground. No withdrawals of troops or equipment. This may of course change. However, what we see today is that Russia maintains a massive invasion force ready to attack. With high-end capabilities. From Crimea to Belarus”, Stoltenberg said.

According to him, this is the biggest concentration of forces in Europe since the Cold War.

“From the start, NATO Allies have made clear that further Russian aggression against Ukraine would have a high cost.  And we have called out Russia’s actions, plans and disinformation”, underlined the NATO General Secretary.

At the same time, he stressed that NATO remains prepared for dialogue.

“It is not too late for Russia to step back from the brink of conflict. And choose the path of peace. NATO has sent concrete written proposals to Russia. On transparency, risk reduction and arms control. We have yet to receive a response”, Stoltenberg said.

He reiterated his invitation to Russia to meet again in the NATO-Russia Council. But, he Stoltenber made clear that “NATO will not compromise on core principles”.

“The right of each nation to choose its own path.  And our ability to protect and defend all Allies. We have already enhanced our deterrence and defense. With more troops, planes and ships. And higher readiness of the NATO Response Force. These steps are defensive. NATO is not a threat to Russia”, Stoltenberg said.

He said NATO doesn’t know what will happen in Ukraine, but stressed that the situation has already demonstrated we face a crisis in European security.

“Moscow has made it clear that it is prepared to contest the fundamental principles that have underpinned our security for decades. And to do so by using force. I regret to say that this is the new normal in Europe. Therefore today, Ministers decided to develop options for further strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defense. Including to consider establishing new NATO battlegroups in central and eastern, south-eastern Europe. And I welcomed the offer by France to lead such a battlegroup in Romania. Our military commanders will now work on the details and report back within weeks. Earlier today, we also held a regular meeting of the Nuclear Planning Group. Ministers considered worrying developments across the globe. Including Russia’s and China’s modernization of their nuclear arsenals. And the continued risk of nuclear proliferation. Allies consulted on how to keep our nuclear deterrent safe, secure and effective”, Stoltenberg said.

He said the financial burden of operating NATO is now being distributed to all European members and Canada thus increasing the defense budget.

“This means 270 billion US dollars in additional spending on defence since 2014. And we welcome that a large majority of Allies are now allocating at least 20 percent of defence investment to major equipment, research and development”, added Stoltenberg.

He expressed his optimism that when leaders meet in Madrid in June, they will reaffirm that Europe and North America must continue to stand strong together in NATO.

“Because NATO is the unique, essential, and indispensable transatlantic forum for our defence and security”, underlined Stoltenberg.