War in Ukraine: NATO doubts a reduction in Russian offensives
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, on the eve of an Alliance summit, in Brussels, Wednesday, March 23.
REUTERS - GONZALO FUENTES
Text by: RFI Follow
2 mins
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg presented his annual report on Thursday, March 30 and he questions Russia's desire to reduce military pressure in certain regions.
According to him, on the contrary, it is the prelude to a new offensive.
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With our correspondent in Brussels,
Pierre Benazet
The Russian assertion that a relaxation of military pressure would take place in the regions of kyiv and Chernihiv could be just another lie, according to NATO.
Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg believes that in reality Russian units are not withdrawing, but regrouping and resupplying in order to strengthen their offensive in the Donbass region.
“
Russia is repositioning some of its troops, most likely to increase its efforts in the Donbass region.
We must therefore judge Russia on its actions and not on its word and it remains to be seen whether there is really a will on the part of Russia to find a political solution
", explains Jens Stoltenberg, who asserts that one can expect new offensives.
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To read also: Headlines: Westerners skeptical of Moscow's promises of de-escalation
“
Of course, there is a close link between what happens on the battlefield and what happens around the negotiating table.
And the allies bring their material support to Ukraine in order also to strengthen its position at the negotiating table
, ”he adds at the microphone of RFI.
Military aid from NATO member countries to Ukraine consists in supplying it with weapons classified as offensive, even if they may be anti-aircraft or anti-ship missile systems.
President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to plead for more direct intervention.
He again asked for the establishment of a no-fly zone during a videoconference this Wednesday before the Belgian Parliament.
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To read also:
The Russian attack in Ukraine revives NATO unity
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Defense
NATO
Ukraine
Russia