NATO warns Russia against the use of nuclear weapons
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg warned Russia of “severe consequences” should it use nuclear weapons in Ukraine.
NATO is closely monitoring Russia’s nuclear forces and have not seen any changes in Russia’s posture, Stoltenberg said in a pre-ministerial press briefing on Tuesday.
“But we remain vigilant,” NATO chief said.
NATO Defense Ministers are gathering for a two-day long meeting in Brussels, Belgium, for reviewing the progress on strengthening the alliance’s deterrence and defence, starting on Wednesday.
“Russia knows that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought,” Stoltenberg said, adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “veiled” nuclear threats are “dangerous and reckless.”
NATO is prepared for any threat, any attack, against any NATO ally, Stoltenberg said.
“That's the reason why we have NATO, to be able to deter also nuclear threats,” he said.
Putin is failing in Ukraine
NATO Chief said Russian president is failing in Ukraine.
“His attempted annexations, partial mobilisation, and reckless nuclear rhetoric represent the most significant escalation since the start of the war. And they show that this war is not going as planned,” he said.
NATO is not party to the conflict, but its support is playing a key role, Stoltenberg said, adding that allies remain united in their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and self-defence.
Announcing that NATO will increase its support for military aid to Ukraine, “So they (Ukrainians) can continue to defend themselves, and liberate territory from Russian occupation,” Stoltenberg said.
“Our message is clear. NATO stands with Ukraine. For as long as it takes,” he said.
“President Putin started this war. He must end it. By withdrawing his forces from Ukraine.”
Sweden and Finland also invited
The meeting will be the first Defense Ministerial since the NATO Madrid Summit in June 2022 and the first that Finland and Sweden are invited.
Turkey will be represented by Defense Minister Hulusi Akar during the talks to be held at NATO headquarters.
