NATO has announced the deployment of 'additional defensive land and air forces' to the eastern part of the bloc and an increase in the readiness of all its forces 'to respond to all contingencies,' in light of the Russian military 'operation' in Ukraine, RT reported.
"Russia's actions pose a serious threat to Euro-Atlantic security, and they will have geostrategic consequences. NATO will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure the security and defence of all Allies," the alliance said on Thursday in a statement.
Following emergency consultations, the bloc decided "to take additional steps" to strengthen its "deterrence and defence."
"Our measures are and remain preventive, proportionate and non-escalatory," NATO said, as per the report.
The alliance called Russia's military 'operation' "a horrifying attack on Ukraine, which is entirely unjustified and unprovoked" and called upon Moscow to "immediately cease" the action.
"Russia will pay a very heavy economic and political price. NATO will continue to coordinate closely with relevant stakeholders and other international organisations including the EU," the statement reads.
NATO claims that it has "made every effort to pursue diplomacy and dialogue with Russia" and has "repeatedly invited" it for talks in the NATO-Russia Council, RT reported.
"Russia has still not reciprocated. It is Russia, and Russia alone, which has chosen escalation," it said.
Russia launched its "special operation" in Ukraine on Thursday morning. As President Putin said, the operation is aimed at stopping the Ukrainian army's attacks on the two breakaway regions of Donetsk and Lugansk, now recognized by Moscow as sovereign states.
In Putin's opinion, NATO used Ukraine as a proxy, which could threaten Russia militarily. He underlined that his government had to act immediately to demilitarize its neighbouring country and to ensure that no attack against Russia occurs in the future on NATO's terms.
--IANS
san/skp/
(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Dear Reader,
Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance.
We, however, have a request.
As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed.
Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard.
Digital Editor
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU