Admin l Friday, March 25, 2022
BRUSSELS – The Northern Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) has warned that Russia will face severe consequences if it opts to use chemical or biological weapons on Ukraine.
Several cities in Ukraine have been turned into ruins by continued bombardment, with Russia paying no heed to calls to end the aggression as a result of Ukraine’s refusal to accede to Russia’s request to remain neutral in world politics by not joining NATO, recognition of Crimea as part of Russia and independence of Luhansk and Donetsk.
Although diplomacy is ongoing, it has been motion without movement with Russia blaming the United States of interference.
“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. 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”, adding that any use by Russia of a chemical or biological weapon would be unacceptable and result in severe consequences.
NATO said Russia needs to show it is serious about negotiations by immediately implementing a ceasefire.
“ We call on Russia to engage constructively in credible negotiations with Ukraine to achieve concrete results, starting with a sustainable ceasefire and moving towards a complete withdrawal of its troops from Ukrainian territory.
“Russia’s continuing aggression while discussions are taking place is deplorable. We support Ukraine’s efforts to achieve peace, and those undertaken diplomatically by Allies to weigh in on Russia to end the war and relieve human suffering.
“We stand in full solidarity with President Zelenskyy, the government of Ukraine, and with the brave Ukrainian citizens who are defending their homeland. We honour all those killed, injured, and displaced by Russia’s aggression, as well as their families. We reaffirm our unwavering support for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders extending to its territorial waters” NATO said, adding that Ukraine has a fundamental right to self-defence under the United Nations Charter.
NATO said allies have stepped up their support and will continue to provide further political and practical support to Ukraine as it continues to defend itself.
“NATO Allies will also continue to provide assistance in such areas as cybersecurity and protection against threats of a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear nature. NATO Allies also provide extensive humanitarian support and are hosting millions of refugees. Foreign Ministers will discuss further our support to Ukraine when they meet in April”, NATO said.
