NATO denounced Russia’s invasion into Ukraine and stated that it intends to deploy additional defensive forces to Eastern Europe, along with more maritime assets, to increase readiness levels.
The alliance stated that President Vladimir Putin’s attack on Ukraine is a “grave breach of international law” and a serious threat to security in Europe.
“Peace on our continent has been shattered,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said at an emergency press conference Thursday. “We now have war in Europe on a scale and of a type we thought belonged to history.”
UKRAINE SAYS MORE THAN 40 SOLDIERS, 10 CIVILIANS KILLED DURING RUSSIAN INVASION
NATO intends to convene an emergency meeting on Friday, Stoltenberg said, including representatives from NATO partners Finland and Sweden.
“Once again, despite our repeated warnings and tireless efforts to engage in diplomacy, Russia has chosen the path of aggression against a sovereign and independent country,” Stoltenberg said in a press statement.
NATO denounced the Kremlin in a statement Thursday, calling on Russia to “immediately cease its military action and withdraw all its forces from in and around Ukraine, to fully respect international humanitarian law, and to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to all persons in need.”
Russia’s actions are considered a “serious threat,” NATO said, which is why the alliance intends to “take all necessary measures to ensure the security and defense of all Allies.” This includes the deployment of “additional defensive land and air forces to the eastern part of the Alliance, as well as additional maritime assets.”
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Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has placed members of NATO on edge. Lithuania has declared a state of emergency Thursday in response to the invasion. Several members of NATO have condemned the attacks, including France, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Russia began its invasion Thursday under the notion of what Putin described as a “special military operation.” At least 50 Ukrainians have died as of Thursday morning.
