NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said today in Brussels that the situations in Gaza and Ukraine are not the same because “Ukraine has never posed a threat to Russia or attacked it”.
“It is important to say, the situation in Gaza and the situation in Ukraine are different in many ways.
Ukraine was never a threat to Russia, Ukraine never attacked Russia, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was unprovoked. Ukraine has the right to self-defense and to protect its territorial integrity,” he said in Brussels at a press conference.
A two-day meeting of the foreign ministers of NATO member states is underway in Brussels.
Stoltenberg said the ministers expressed concern about the war in the Middle East and welcomed the extension of the ceasefire.
“It is important that this conflict does not escalate into a larger regional conflict, our message to Iran is that they should not use instability,” he said, adding that civilian lives must be protected in all conflicts.
The ministers, he pointed out, reiterated their support for Ukraine in the defense of the country, but also on its path to NATO.
They also discussed “the challenges that China presents to Euro-Atlantic security”.
“China is not our opponent. And I welcome the allies’ dialogue with Beijing on issues of common interest. At the same time, we must be clear about the impact of China’s coercive policy on our security,” he said.
NATO will remain a regional alliance, but due to global challenges it must cooperate with partners, including the Indo-Pacific, he said.
They also discussed challenges from the southern neighborhood, the fight against terrorism, strengthening stability and technological innovation.
Later today, the ministers will review the situation in the Western Balkans, and tomorrow the NATO-Ukraine Council will meet, which will be attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba, Beta reports.
