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Good evening. The situation in Ukraine presents serious implications
for the security and stability of the Euro-Atlantic area.
And Russia continues to violate Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and
its own international commitments. So NATO decided today to take a number of
immediate steps. We have suspended the planning for our first
NATO-Russia joint mission. The maritime escort for the U.S. ship Cape Ray, which will neutralise
Syria's chemical weapons. Let me stress, this will not affect the destruction of chemical
weapons, but Russia will not be involved in the escort of the US vessel.
We have also decided that no staff-level civilian or military meetings with Russia will take
place for now. We have put the entire range of NATO-Russia
cooperation under review. NATO Foreign Ministers will take decisions on this in early April.
These steps send a clear message: Russia's actions have consequences.
At the same time, we do want to keep the door open for political dialogue. So we are ready
to maintain meetings of ambassadors in the NATO-Russia Council, as we have done today.
I have just chaired a frank and important meeting of the NATO-Russia Council to discuss
the situation in Ukraine. The NATO-Russia Council is a forum for discussions
on all issues. Where we agree, and where we disagree.
As Chairman of the NATO-Russia Council, it is my duty to uphold the principles on which
our relationship is founded. Those fundamental principles are now at stake.
Our joint pledge to observe in good faith our obligations under international law. And
our commitment to refrain from the threat or use of force against each other, or any
other state. So I asked the Russian Ambassador to convey
NATO's firm message to Moscow. At the same time we have decided to intensify
our partnership with Ukraine, and strengthen our cooperation to support democratic reforms.
We will step up our engagement with the Ukrainian civilian and military leadership.
We will strengthen our efforts to build the capacity of the Ukrainian military, including
with more joint training and exercises. And we will do more to include Ukraine in
our multinational projects to develop capabilities. This will complement the international efforts
to support the people of Ukraine as they shape their future. And tomorrow, I will meet the
Prime Minister of Ukraine to make clear NATO's support.
And with that, I
am
ready
to
take
your questions.