Russia Accummulating Military Forces in the East of Ukraine - NATO

NATO observes increased Russian military power in the East of Ukraine.

The news was reported by UNIAN, informs Censor.NET.

NATO Deputy Secretary General Alexander Vershbow spoke about this at a video conference between Brussels and Moscow.

"Over the last days, we have witnessed increased direct involvement of the Russian military forces in Ukraine. Russia is not a 'troubled' neighbour, but a state actively undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine," Vershbow said.

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He stressed that Russia is unable to admit its neighbors' right to sovereignty and free choice. In his opinion, Russia invaded Ukraine, in addition to annexing Crimea, also considered illegal by the Alliance.

Deputy Secretary General reminded that September 4-5 NATO summit in Wales decided to provide practical assistance for modernizing the Ukrainian army. However, the entity as a whole does not provide weaponry to any country, including Ukraine, while the corresponding decision is at the discretion of the Alliance members.

Read also: NATO Intends to Provide Actual Help to Ukraine - Yaremenko

"NATO as an institution does not provide armaments or assistance in the area of defense systems. We do, however, support strengthening the defense potential via reforms of the army and professional development for the military. The competence to make such decisions rests with the member states, and will not comment these statements," Vershbow pointed out.

He also believes the recent NATO summit to be the most important one in the history of the Alliance due to Russia's press on Ukraine which is likely to undermine the safety in the region.

As reported before, the NATO states have a plan in place for countering the Russian aggression against them should it happen.