NATO chief says Russia appears to be continuing military build-up around Ukraine

NATO chief says Russia appears to be continuing military build-up around Ukraine

NATO chief says Russia appears to be continuing military build-up around Ukraine.

NATO chief says Russia appears to be continuing military build-up around Ukraine.


SPEAKING on Wednesday, February 16, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said that it appears Russia is continuing military build-up around Ukraine, despite reports from the Kremlin that they had withdrawn forces from the border.
“We have heard the signs from Moscow about readiness to continue diplomatic efforts, but so far, we have not seen any de-escalation on the ground. On the contrary, it appears that Russia continues their military buildup,” Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday ahead of a meeting of NATO defence ministers. “What we see is that they have increased the number of troops and more troops are on their way.”
Stoltenberg told reporters at the start of a two-day meeting of NATO defence ministers at the alliance’s headquarters in Brussels that “it remains to be seen whether there is a Russian withdrawal… What we see is that they have increased the number of troops, and more troops are on the way.” 

“If they really start to withdraw forces, that’s something we will welcome… They have always moved forces back and forth so just that we see a movement of forces, of battle tanks, doesn’t confirm a real withdrawal,” the 62-year-old said.
Also speaking ahead of the NATO defence ministers meeting, UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace agreed with Stoltenberg.
Mr Wallace told Sky News: “What we haven’t seen is evidence of withdrawal that has been claimed by the Kremlin.
“In fact, we’ve seen a continued build-up of things like field hospitals and strategic weapons systems such as Iskander missiles deployed.”


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Written by

Matthew Roscoe

Originally from the UK, Matthew is based on the Costa Blanca and is a web reporter for The Euro Weekly News covering international and Spanish national news. Got a news story you want to share? Then get in touch at editorial@euroweeklynews.com.

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