German Chancellor Olaf Scholes’ press office said in a statement that Russia was responsible for “making any visible expansion of the conflict” to all participants in the meeting in the West.
The video conference comes at a time when the United States and European countries appear to be facing some differences over a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia have announced the withdrawal of some ambassadors from Kiev, but the European Union (EU) has not yet ordered a section of its staff to leave.
Germany was also at the center of the debate, with countries like the United States, the United Kingdom or the Baltic being severely criticized by Ukraine for refusing to hand over even defensive weapons.
At a meeting attended by leaders of the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Italy or Poland, and NATO’s Secretary-General, Western leaders expressed “deep concern” over the movement of Russian troops along the eastern border. Accused Ukraine and Moscow of being at the root of the “current tensions”, the Berlin statement added.
However, the parties believe that “the issue of security and stability in Europe can be resolved through negotiations.”
Western nations also reaffirmed their “willingness to pursue diplomatic efforts in this direction,” which had already taken place in January, with numerous meetings between Western and Russian officials, with no success.
This Monday NATO nations sent troops and ships and warplanes to carefully deploy forces in Eastern Europe against Russian military operations on Ukraine’s borders, the Atlantic Alliance announced.
In a statement issued in Brussels, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), of which Portugal is a member, reports on the strengthening of resources in the region by Denmark, Spain, France, the Netherlands and the United States.
The US Secretary of Defense has placed about 8,500 troops on high alert and the Pentagon has said it is ready to be stopped by NATO if necessary.
The leaders of the Baltic states welcomed the news that the United States plans to send thousands of troops with aircraft and warships to NATO allies in the Baltic and Eastern Europe.
The European Commission has already announced an emergency aid package of 1.2 billion euros for Ukraine, which faces a Russian threat on the Ukrainian border, aiming to keep the country “independent and sovereign” and to support Kiev in these “difficult circumstances.”
The Kremlin today accused NATO and the United States of “escalating tensions” by deciding to send warships and warplanes to Eastern Europe in the wake of Russia’s alleged invasion of Ukraine.
“Tensions are rising with the announcements and firm action of the United States and NATO [Organização do Tratado do Atlântico Norte]Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that he had been asked about sending troops from the Atlantic Alliance.
Peskov criticized what he considered to be “hysteria” in Europe after warnings of a Russian invasion of Ukraine multiplied in recent weeks.
Western nations accuse Russia of preparing tens of thousands of troops on the Ukrainian border.
Moscow rejects any plans in this direction and demands guarantees for its security, including rejection of Ukraine’s NATO membership, an end to coalition expansion and the establishment of a military presence in Eastern Europe, as well as unacceptable demands on the West.
“Hardcore explorer. Extreme communicator. Professional writer. General music practitioner. Prone to fits of apathy.”