BRUSSELS, Feb 3 (KUNA) -- NATO Thursday reiterated its call on Russia to de-escalate tensions over Ukraine and committed to finding a political solution to the crisis.
"We are committed to finding a political solution to the crisis. But we have to be prepared for the worst," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters after a meeting with Prime Minister of North Macedonia Dimitar Kovacevski at NATO headquarters today.
"Allies are prepared to discuss NATO-Russia relations, how to reduce risks and increase transparency, and arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation. But NATO will not compromise on core principles," he stressed.
Stoltenberg said he and the North Macedonian PM discussed Russiaآ’s continued military build-up in and around Ukraine, which is now well over 100,000 troops.
"Over the last days we have seen a significant movement of Russian military forces into Belarus. This is the biggest Russian deployment there since the Cold War," he said.
"Any further Russian aggression would have severe consequences, and carry a heavy price," warned the NATO chief.
Meanwhile, Stoltenberg welcomed North Macedoniaآ’s efforts to promote security, stability and progress in the region and its contributions to NATOآ’s peacekeeping mission in Kosovo.
"It is almost two years since North Macedonia joined NATO. And you have proven to be a highly valued Ally. The stability in the Western Balkans is of great importance for NATO," he added. (end) nk.mt