Today’s meeting between NATO and Russia over the situation in Ukraine was “not an easy discussion”, said NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg following the meeting of the NATO-Russia Council.

Jens Stoltenberg said there are “significant differences” between NATO Allies and Russia on the situation in and around Ukraine and the implications for European security.

“Russia demands to stop admitting any new members to NATO and to withdraw forces from eastern Allies. Allies on their side reaffirmed NATO’s Open Door policy. And the right for each nation to choose its own security arrangements. Allies made clear that they will not renounce their ability to protect and defend each other. Including with presence of troops in the eastern part of the Alliance,” he underscored.

The NATO–Russia Council had a serious exchange on Russia’s military build-up in & around #Ukraine & implications for European security. #NATO Allies & #Russia agreed to explore a schedule of future meetings. Allies are ready to table proposals & seek constructive outcomes. pic.twitter.com/dszyECAfGe

— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) January 12, 2022

NATO chief stressed that “Russia’s military forces in Georgia, Ukraine, Moldova are there without the consent of the governments of these countries.”

“They are uninvited and not welcomed. And also, NATO allies in a meeting today called on Russia to withdraw the forces and to respect the territorial integrity of the sovereignty of Georgia, of Ukraine, of Moldova. And again, this is for the matter of principles to respect the borders of all countries for peace and security in Europe. And NATO, us, are ready to engage in dialogue with Russia, but we will not compromise on core principles; we will not compromise on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of every nation in Europe. We will not compromise on a right for all countries to do, to choose their own path, including what kind of security arrangements they want to be part of, and we will not compromise on the right for allies to protect and defend each other,” he stated.

At his press point, Jens Stoltenberg said, “NATO Allies are ready to meet again with Russia to have discussions in greater detail, to put concrete proposals on the table, and to seek constructive outcomes.”

? LIVE SOON

?️ Press conference following the meeting of the #NATO–#Russia Council

?@NATO HQ, Brussels https://t.co/BbtTepvEDf

— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) January 12, 2022