Jens Stoltenberg: Russia turned out to be ready to use military force against its neighbors, we are demonstrating our readiness to defend our allies

According to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, all steps taken by the Alliance to strengthen exercises are taken solely for defense purposes. The Secretary-General made the statement at a news conference ahead of the meetings of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs and NATO Ministers of Defence.

"What we are seeing is a model of Russian behavior, within which Russia has been investing heavily in new military capabilities in recent years. Not only that. Russia turned out to be ready to use military force against its neighbors. In Georgia, in Ukraine it continues to destabilize Donbass. This is one of the reasons why it has increased the readiness of its forces in recent years," Stoltenberg said.

He also noted that NATO is, first and foremost, a defense organization committed to protecting its allies.

"We are demonstrating our readiness to defend our allies, and we are also conducting joint exercises. Everything we do is done only for defence purposes," said Jens Stoltenberg.