NATO defense ministers meet in Brussels to discuss European security

Europe, News February 17, 2022 , by IRIA No Comments

NATO alliance defense ministers met in Brussels on February 16 and 17 to address critical challenges for European security, including Russia’s military build-up in and around Ukraine.

During the first day of the defense ministers’ meeting, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said, “we have heard the signs from Moscow about readiness to continue diplomatic efforts. But so far, we have not seen any de-escalation on the ground.”

The NATO secretary general stressed that the alliance seeks to resolve the ongoing Ukraine crisis through dialogues but remains prepared for the worst-case scenario.

“We will continue to convey a very clear message to Russia that we are ready to sit down and discuss with them. But at the same time, we are prepared for the worst. And if Russia once again invades Ukraine, they will pay a high price,” Stoltenberg said.

According to the NATO official release, Secretary general Stoltenberg said that Russia is not going to decide “who’s going to be a member of NATO or not”. He also stated that NATO’s membership issue is a matter of principle that all allies have stated clearly again and again.

“What we see is a very strong Russian military presence at the border of Ukraine. But we also see a message from Moscow that they will give diplomacy a chance. And then we are ready to meet them to talk to find a diplomatic solution, but we’re also prepared for the worst,” the NATO secretary general said.

^{Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III speaks with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Oct. 4, 2021. (Image Credit: DoD/U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jack Sanders)}

NATO’s Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also welcomed U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to NATO Headquarters on February 16 and thanked him for the United States’ essential contributions to NATO’s collective defense and deterrence.

Stoltenberg said, “These contributions, not only in words but also in deeds, are of great importance and very much welcomed.”