Stoltenberg: Sanctions against Russia are a response to the seizure of foreign territories
A country that has violated international law and encroached on someone else's territory must pay for it, as stated by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during an interview with the German newspaper “Bild.” Stoltenberg was commenting on the EU leadership’s approval of the extension of the sanctions regime against the Russian Federation.
"Economic sanctions send a clear signal to Russia that the violation of international law and changing of borders by using military force entail a high price," the Secretary General said.
However, he reiterated the importance of dialogue between NATO and Russia and the alliance’s unwillingness to enter into a new Cold War. Russia will be notified at a meeting of the NATO-Russia Council scheduled on Monday, Interfax-Ukraine reports.
"At the same time, we must continue to seek dialogue with Russia. The message at the Council’s meeting on Monday will be the following: NATO does not want escalation, does not want a cold war,” he said.
Stoltenberg reiterated that the issues related to security in Europe, including the conflict in Ukraine would be discussed at the NRC meeting.