The Heads of State and Government of the 30 NATO Allies have met March 24 to address Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and has called on China to stop amplifying the Kremlin’s disinformation campaigns.
NATO has called Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine “the gravest threat to Euro-Atlantic security in decades”, and that it “has shattered peace in Europe and is causing enormous human suffering and destruction.”
In a formal statement released by NATO, “We call on all states, including the People’s Republic of China (PRC), to uphold the international order including the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, as enshrined in the UN Charter, to abstain from supporting Russia’s war effort in any way, and to refrain from any action that helps Russia circumvent sanctions.
“We are concerned by recent public comments by PRC officials and call on China to cease amplifying the Kremlin’s false narratives, in particular on the war and on NATO, and to promote a peaceful resolution to the conflict.”
NATO wants “Putin to immediately stop this war and withdraw military forces from Ukraine, and call on Belarus to end its complicity, in line with the Aggression Against Ukraine Resolution adopted at the UN General Assembly of 2 March 2022. Russia should comply with the 16 March ruling by the UN International Court of Justice and immediately suspend military operations.
“Russia’s attack on Ukraine threatens global security. Its assault on international norms makes the world less safe. President Putin’s escalatory rhetoric is irresponsible and destabilizing.”
NATO also condemns Russia’s attacking and killing civilians
“We strongly condemn Russia’s devastating attacks on civilians, including women, children, and persons in vulnerable situations. We will work with the rest of the international community to hold accountable those responsible for violations of humanitarian and international law, including war crimes. We are deeply concerned about the increased risk of sexual violence and human trafficking.
“We urge Russia to allow rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access and safe passage for civilians, and to allow for humanitarian aid to be delivered to Mariupol and other besieged cities.
“We also condemn attacks against civilian infrastructure, including those endangering nuclear power plants.
Countering Russia’s lies
“We will continue to counter Russia’s lies about its attack on Ukraine and expose fabricated narratives or manufactured “false flag” operations to prepare the ground for further escalation, including against the civilian population of Ukraine. Any use by Russia of a chemical or biological weapon would be unacceptable and result in severe consequences.”
NATO said that it is strengthening its ability to respond to disinformation and will “enhance our preparedness and readiness for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats.”
NATO emphasized that it is Putin’s choice to attack Ukraine and with it, brought “grave consequences also for Russia and the Russian people.”
Photo credit: NATO. Extraordinary Summit of NATO Heads of State and Government at NATO HQ, Brussels, Belgium – 24 March 2022
