NATO Secretary General on Western-Russia 'Ukraine' Talks: "Striving for a Peaceful Path"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), stated on the 10th (local time) regarding the ongoing security negotiations this week between Russia and Western countries, "I hope it can provide a path toward a diplomatic solution."

According to foreign media on the 10th, Secretary General Stoltenberg held a press conference in Brussels, Belgium, together with Olga Stefanishyna, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration, saying, "What we hope for is an agreement on the way forward, a series of meetings, and the process."

Russia is scheduled to hold a series of negotiations with Western countries. The main reason for these talks is Russia's recent deployment of approximately 100,000 troops near the Ukrainian border. The United States and Russia began working-level talks in Geneva, Switzerland, on the same day, followed by the NATO-Russia Council (NRC) meeting in Brussels, Belgium, on the 12th, and negotiations between the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and Russia in Vienna, Austria, on the 13th.

In response, Secretary General Stoltenberg said, "I do not expect these meetings to resolve all issues," but added, "We are striving to find a peaceful political path and remain ready to continue cooperating with Russia."

He further warned, "If Russia uses military force against Ukraine once again, there will be severe economic and political consequences," emphasizing, "We need to send a clear message that we are united."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.