There is every evidence that Russia is plotting a "full-scale attack" on Ukraine, according to NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, who urged Moscow to reverse course immediately, Fox News reported.
"In the clearest possible terms, we urge Russia to take the diplomatic route. For a generation, this is the most dangerous time in European security "From Brussels, Stoltenberg told reporters.
He cautioned, "Every indication is that Russia is still planning a full-scale attack on Ukraine."
The secretary-remarks general's came only one day after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced his intention to recognise the independence of two Russian-backed breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine and subsequently dispatched "peacekeeping" troops to the region.
NATO has "proof" that Russian military have already invaded Ukraine on Putin's orders, according to Stoltenberg.
In Russia, Belarus, occupied Crimea, and Donbas, over 150,000 troops have gathered around Ukraine's border.
"Moscow has progressed from covert attempts to destabilise Ukraine to overt military action," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated. "In battle formations, a large number of units are deployed forward. They've broken out of their field camps and are ready to strike."
Stoltenberg praised countries including Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States for taking quick steps to target financial institutions linked to the Kremlin, and said NATO will continue to assist Ukraine's defence by providing military equipment and "continuous financial support."
Thousands of troops from the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Baltic states have been deployed to protect member states neighbouring Ukraine, including Romania and Poland.
"There is a serious possibility," Stoltenberg said in response to a reporter's query on growing fears of a "full-on war" in Europe.
"Ukraine is a highly important partner, and we provide them with military and political assistance," he said. "However, when it comes to NATO members, we offer complete security assurances." That is, we make it crystal obvious that an attack on one ally will result in a coordinated response from the entire alliance — one for all, all for one.
"There is no space for error in our ability to defend all allies," Stoltenberg continued.
Russia can still change direction and return to the negotiating table, according to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
"It's never too late to refrain from attacking," Stoltenberg said. "That's why we continue to call on Russia to take a step back, de-escalate, and engage in good faith in diplomatic efforts."
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