Today (28 February 2022), NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg participated in a secure conference call with world leaders organised by the President of the United States Joe Biden, in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The call included British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, Polish President Andrzej Duda, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, as well as the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Council Charles Michel, and the Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida.
The NATO Secretary General stressed that at last week’s extraordinary NATO Summit, Allies strongly condemned Russia’s unjustified invasion as a grave violation of international law, as well as the enabling role of Belarus, and reiterated their full support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. NATO Allies have stepped up their support to Ukraine, with security assistance, humanitarian and financial aid. Secretary General Stoltenberg recalled that NATO has already boosted Allied defences, including through the deployment of elements of the NATO Response Force to the eastern part of the Alliance. Allies have also decided to take additional steps to ensure the security and defence of all Allies, and will continue to adjust to a “new normal” in European security, due to Russia’s continued efforts to undermine fundamental principles by the use of force.
Leaders reaffirmed their strong unity and commitment to continue working together to address the gravest threat to Euro-Atlantic security in decades. They highlighted the unprecedented package of restrictive measures adopted as a result of Russia’s aggressive behaviour. They reiterated the call on Russia to immediately stop the war, withdraw all its forces from Ukraine, and turn back to the path of dialogue. They agreed to continue their close coordination on the next steps, amongst themselves and with Ukraine.