NATO RESPONSE: Russia must stop the invasion immediately, we are deploying additional forces

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - We most strongly condemn Russia's terrifying attack on Ukraine, which is completely unjustified and unprovoked. Our thoughts are with all those killed and injured and with the people of Ukraine. We also condemn Belarus for enabling this attack, NATO stated in an official statement regarding the Russian aggression against Ukraine.

"This renewed attack is a grave violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and is completely contrary to Russia's obligations under the Helsinki Final Act, the Paris Charter, the Budapest Memorandum, and the NATO-Russia Founding Act. It constitutes an act of aggression against an independent, peaceful country. We stand with the people of Ukraine and its legitimate, democratically elected President, Parliament, and Government. We will always maintain full support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders, including its territorial waters. We call on Russia to immediately cease its military action and withdraw all its forces from and around Ukraine, to fully respect international humanitarian law, and to ensure safe and unimpeded humanitarian access and assistance to all those in need," NATO stated.

They strongly condemn Russia's decision to recognize the separatist regions of eastern Ukraine.

"This further undermines Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and is contrary to the Minsk agreements, to which Russia is a signatory. Allies will never accept this illegal recognition. We call on Russia in the strongest possible terms to abandon the path of violence and aggression it has chosen. Russian leaders must bear full responsibility for the consequences of their actions. Russia will pay a very high economic and political price. NATO will continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders and other international organizations, including the EU. Throughout this crisis, NATO, allies, and our partners have made every effort to continue diplomacy and dialogue with Russia, including at the highest levels, and have made many substantive proposals to improve the security of all nations in the Euro-Atlantic region. We have repeatedly called on Russia for talks in the NATO-Russia Council. Russia has not yet responded. Russia, and Russia alone, has chosen escalation," NATO emphasizes.

They add that Russia's actions pose a serious threat to Euro-Atlantic security and will have geostrategic consequences.

"NATO will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure the security and defense of all allies. We are deploying additional defensive land and air forces to the eastern part of the Alliance, as well as additional naval assets. We have increased the readiness of our forces to respond to any unforeseen situations. Today, we held consultations under Article 4 of the Washington Treaty. We decided, in accordance with our defense planning to protect all allies, to take additional steps to further strengthen deterrence and defense throughout the Alliance. Our measures are and remain preventive, proportionate, and non-escalatory. Our commitment to Article 5 of the Washington Treaty is firm. We stand united to defend each other," NATO concluded.