Stoltenberg accuses Russia of fueling the next round of the conflict in eastern Ukraine
The intensification of separatist activity has been observed in eastern Ukraine again, Deutsche Welle reported. According to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Moscow must stop providing them with political, military and financial support.
Stoltenberg expressed extreme concern about the continuing hostilities in the Donbas and criticized the actions of the Russian government. "Recently we have seen an increase in the number of attacks, mainly from the Russian-backed separatists", he said. "I call on Russia to take steps to de-escalate the conflict and to cease its military, political and financial support to militias."
According to Stoltenberg, all parties to the conflict should return to the negotiating table and work out measures to achieve a truce. In addition, the OSCE must be provided with "safe and free access to the whole territory of Ukraine."
Stoltenberg also acknowledged that NATO adheres to a dual strategy towards Russia. On the one hand, it is strengthening defense and containment measures, on the other hand, it is willing to engage in constructive dialogue. However, in his opinion, the European security system needs to revise its own rules and regulations. "This is due to the fact that Russia had violated a number of its international obligations,” Stoltenberg noted.
Earlier, German Chancellor Angela Merkel also stated that the implementation of the Minsk agreements currently does not provide the required progress. The heads of Germany and France noted that they intended to achieve the resumption of the stalled negotiations on the peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian question.
The leaders of the key countries are planning to take another attempt to resolve the conflict in eastern Ukraine at the G20 summit in Hangzhou. The meeting of the world leaders is being held on September 4-5 in China.