Putin started this war and he must end it, Lukashenko should stop the complicity of Belarus in this illegal conflict. Such a statement made today NATO Secretary General ahead of the meetings of NATO Defence Ministers.

“Our message is clear. NATO stands with Ukraine. For as long as it takes. President Putin started this war. He must end it. By withdrawing his forces from Ukraine. And President Lukashenko should stop the complicity of Belarus in this illegal conflict.

On Thursday, I will chair a regular meeting of the Nuclear Planning Group. The fundamental purpose of NATO’s nuclear deterrence has always been to preserve peace, prevent coercion and deter aggression. Next week, NATO will hold its long-planned deterrence exercise, Steadfast Noon. This is routine training, which happens every year. To keep our deterrent safe, secure and effective.

President Putin’s veiled nuclear threats are dangerous and irresponsible. Russia knows that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought. We are closely monitoring Russia’s nuclear forces. We have not seen any changes in Russia’s posture. But we remain vigilant”, - said Jens Stoltenberg.