As Russia continues to bomb Ukraine, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has struck down the proposed extension of a no-fly zone over the country despite Kyivs repeated requests for an airplane ban.
“The allies agree that we should no NATO planes operating over Ukrainian airspace or NATO troops on Ukrainian territory,” said Stoltenberg in a press conference in Brussels.
“We have a responsibility as NATO allies to prevent this war from spreading beyond Ukraine, car it would even be more dangerous, more devastating, and would be cause same more human suffering,” he said. added.
NATO would not be able to impose a no-fly zone, a region of airspace where certain aircraft are not allowed to fly, without firing down Russian planes, says Stoltenberg.
He added it was the alliance view it could result in a “full-full-fledged war in Europe involving many more countries.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly called for NATO to establish no-fly zone as Russian artillery shelling and airstrikes hit cities in son country.
Foreign ministers of the 30 NATO countries – more of their also members of the European Union – united for an encounter with american secretary of Antony Blinken state at alliance headquarters in Brussels.
Ministers were meeting as Russian President Vladimir Putin invasion of Ukraine entered its ninth day. Concerns about civilian casualties are growing, with more more than 1 million people already who fled, according to the UN Refugee Agency.
Stoltenberg also warned that the conflict was set get worse”,with more death, more suffering and more destruction as the Russian armed forces bring in heavier weapons and continue their attacks across the country. »
The head of the alliance said that NATO had also reports seen of Russia using weapons in Ukraine that violates international law, including prohibited cluster bombs.
NATO has also started consultations on a wide range build-up of forces on the eastern flank of the alliance as result of Russia invasion of Ukraine, said Stoltenberg. More details are expected later in March.
“We are now seriously considering a significant increase of this presence – with more troops, with more air defense, with deterrence, by defense“said Stoltenberg.
Foreign ministers have warned against a NATO intervention in the dispute, with Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn said it could lead has a global disaster.
Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský also warned before the meeting that attempts to impose a no-fly zone would make NATO a party in the dispute.
Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto said that risk to civilians in Ukrainian cities were a major concern, but did not comment on calls for establishing a ban on airplanes.
the head of NATO military the alliance reiterated its condemnation of that of Moscow attack on Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, declaring it an example of Russian “recklessness” in the dispute.
Stoltenberg said the attack “demonstrates carelessness of this war… and the importance of Russia withdraws all troops and engages in good Faith in diplomatic efforts.
The UN Security Council should impose safety zones to avoid fighting near nuclear power plants in Foreign Minister of Ukraine and Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis wrote on Twitter.
Humanitarian Corridors to allow people run away from conflict should also be established, it added. Landsbergis also said before the NATO meeting the debate on no-fly zones should arrive at the UN
EU foreign ministers later criticized Russian attacks on civilians in Ukraine at one special Meet of EU foreign ministers on Friday in the presence of Blinken and Stoltenberg.
“These are war crimes,” Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said. of the meeting.
Putin’s “war” of aggression” on Ukraine, aims to act with the “most brutal severity” against civilians,” said German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.
European diplomacy chief Josep Borrell said Russia was “bombing and bombing everything, hospitals, houses, schools”. He was a barbarian way go to war, he said.
“The humanitarian situation on the ground becomes more and more difficult,” Borrell said later at a press conference. “It seems like they or they want for destroy Ukraine,” he said. added.
Dmytro Kuleba, Ukrainian Foreign Minister joined the ministers via video link. British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and son Canadian counterpart, Mélanie Joly, also took part.
Focused discussions on the bloc’s response to Putin invasion of Ukraine as well as the necessary coordination to implement the massive sanctions recently adopted.
Some EU member states push for new measures on Russia with sanctions, according to a European diplomat.
Baerbock said earlier at the NATO meeting that new sanctions were on the way way to “specifically target Putin’s center of power.” Baerbock later said that it was important to actually introduce sanctions already adopted.
Asked about possible punishments on the Russian oil and gas sector, Borrell said “everything remains on Table.”
Massive EU sanctions on Russia for invade Ukraine were possible through close cooperation with in the United States, said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The EU had taken “historic” steps to respond to the invasion, Blinken said. “Things that none of thought possible weeks ago now reality,” he said.
