NATO Secretary General concerned about escalation in eastern Ukraine
I am extremely concerned about the further escalation of tension in Eastern Ukraine. We see a concerted campaign of violence by pro-Russian separatists, aiming to destabilise Ukraine as a sovereign state. The reappearance of men with specialised Russian weapons and identical uniforms without insignia, as previously worn by Russian troops during Russia's illegal and illegitimate seizure of Crimea, is a grave development.
I call on Russia to de-escalate the crisis and pull back its large number of troops, including special forces, from the area around Ukraine's border.
Any further Russian military interference, under any pretext, will only deepen Russia's international isolation.