Russia appears to continue to deploy troops near Ukraine border, NATO says

Russia continues to reinforce its military presence on the borders with Ukraine declared on Wednesday the secretary general of the OTAN Jens Stoltenberg, stressing that “for now” there are no concrete signs of a de-escalation despite the statements of those responsible in Moscow.

“We have not verified any de-escalation on the ground for now. On the contrary, it seems that Russia it continues to reinforce its military presence,” Stoltenberg said at the start of the Alliance Defense Ministers’ meeting in Brussels.

“Russia it can still invade Ukraine without warning. The capacities are deployed and the military presence is important, greater than 100,000 soldiers”, said the NATO chief.

Stoltenberg took note of Moscow’s message about its willingness to go ahead with diplomatic efforts and stated that the Alliance is “ready to talk”, but warned that Russia he must accompany his declarations with a withdrawal of the forces deployed so that a détente takes place.

“We are closely monitoring what he does. Russia. We have verified the arrival of troops and heavy equipment, then there was a withdrawal of troops, but the equipment and capabilities are still there”, indicated the NATO high command.

Stoltenberg indicated that NATO wants a “real, lasting withdrawal and not just an incessant movement of troops.”

“We are ready to meet with Russiabut we prepare for the worst, “he concluded.