Ukraine wants NATO countries to prepare punitive measures imposed on Russia if a new conflict breaks out. On the other hand, foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is pushing for a “deterrence package” to deter Moscow from another attack on his country.
NATO is deeply concerned about the many Russian troops concentrated in the border region with Ukraine. On Wednesday, Koeleba called for clear communication to Moscow, preparations for sanctions and increased military support for his government. In this way, according to him, the “worst scenario” must be avoided.
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg had already warned Russia that an attack on Ukraine would be a “high price”. He said Tuesday after summit talks in Latvia that it is uncertain what the purpose of the recent Russian troop build-up is, but stressed that “we must be prepared for the worst”.
Russia blames NATO for the rising tension. President Vladimir Putin has warned the alliance that he will be forced to act if advanced missile systems are placed in Ukraine.
Ukraine wants to join NATO and the EU and has been at loggerheads with Russia for years. That annexed the Ukrainian peninsula Crimea in 2014 and supported armed separatists in eastern Ukraine.
