Nato chief warns Russia of ‘severe costs’ if Ukraine is attacked
- ‘We are working hard for a peaceful political path,’ said Jens Stoltenberg, adding there will be severe economic and political costs if Russia attacks Ukraine again
- He said Nato will help Ukraine uphold the right for self-defence if Russia ‘chooses confrontation instead of cooperation’
Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg warned Russia on Monday of “severe costs” if it launches a further attack on Ukraine, saying he hoped crunch talks could chart a way towards a diplomatic solution.
“We are working hard for a peaceful political path and we are ready to continue to work with Russia to try to find that path towards a peaceful solution,” Stoltenberg said before meeting Ukraine’s deputy prime minister.
“At the same time, we need to be prepared that Russia once again chooses to use armed force, chooses confrontation instead of cooperation.”
Stoltenberg was speaking as high-ranking US and Russian officials held a high-stakes meeting in Geneva over the crisis. That will be followed Wednesday by talks in Brussels between Russia and all 30 Nato allies.
“We also need to send a very clear message to Russia, that we are united and that there will be severe costs – economic, political costs – for Russia if they once again use military force against Ukraine,” Stoltenberg said. He pointed out that the alliance provides “support to Ukraine, helping them to uphold the right for self-defence”.
Stoltenberg said he did not expect the talks this week to “solve all the issues”, but wanted to kick-start a process towards a political solution. “We are aiming for an agreement on a way forward, a process, a series of meetings,” he said.
Moscow has laid down a raft of security demands for the US and the transatlantic security alliance – such as excluding granting Ukraine membership of the alliance and pulling back forces close to Russia.