Opening remarks

by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the meeting of the North Atlantic Council in Defence Ministers’ session with Georgia and Ukraine

  • 17 Feb. 2022 -
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  • Last updated: 17 Feb. 2022 09:20

(As delivered)

Good morning and welcome to all of you. 
And a very warm welcome to our colleagues from Georgia and Ukraine, Minister Burchuladze and Minister Reznikov.
A special warm welcome to both of you.  

As we are meeting today, peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area is under threat. 
There are signs from Moscow that diplomacy could continue. 

But so far, we have not seen any sign of withdrawal or de-escalation. 

Russia has yet again demonstrated its disregard for the principles underpinning European security and its ability and willingness to threaten the use force in pursuit of its objectives. 

Unfortunately, I am afraid this is the new normal which we need to be prepared for. 

NATO Allies have been tireless in their efforts to work towards a political and diplomatic solution. 
We have done so in close coordination with both Georgia and Ukraine. 
And NATO’s strong political and practical support for both Georgia and Ukraine continues. 

And I would like to thank the media for joining us at the top of the meeting. 
And then, we continue in a moment. 
Thank you.