NATO countries continue to work to reach a political solution to the very tense situation around Ukraine, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced at a press conference after Thursday's defense ministers' meeting in Brussels.

Stoltenberg began by addressing the Russian claim of withdrawing troops from the Ukrainian border

- We have not seen any signs of withdrawal or deescalation so far.

On the contrary, Russia's construction seems to be continuing, he says.

Earlier on Thursday, Russia, for its part, criticized what it describes as unfounded accusations from the United States and NATO and said that it was withdrawing forces from the border area.

- The (military) exercises were built up over many weeks, and it is of course impossible to withdraw it in a single day.

They can not just take off and fly away, it takes time, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

"Helping Ukraine"

Thursday's meeting began with the defense ministers of the 30 NATO countries receiving their colleagues from Ukraine and Georgia.

This morning, the threat of Russian aggression, the deteriorating security situation in the Black Sea region and NATO's practical and political support for both countries were discussed.

"NATO and its allies are helping Ukraine strengthen its ability to defend itself," Stoltenberg said.

In addition, the Russian Duma's vote on Tuesday, which recommended Putin's recognition of the two breakaway republics of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine, was discussed.

- We all agreed that it would be another obvious violation of Ukraine's independence, says Stoltenberg.

Met Hultqvist

Just before eleven o'clock, the NATO countries also met with the Swedish and Finnish defense ministers Peter Hultqvist and Antti Kaikkonen.

Also involved was EU Foreign Minister Josep Borell.

- We share the same values ​​and face the same challenges.

The crisis in and around Ukraine is affecting us all.

We therefore agreed to continue working together and complement each other's efforts to reach a peaceful solution to this crisis, says Stoltenberg.