NATO and the European Union are warning Moscow of “serious consequences” in the event of a military intervention

NATO and the European Union issued a warning against Moscow on Thursday (December 16) “Severe Consequences” In the event of military intervention in Ukraine, after rejecting Russia’s offer to veto a potential member of Kiev in the coalition.

“Any new aggression against Ukraine will have serious consequences and will cost more in return.”At the summit in Brussels, the heads of state and heads of the EU’s twenty – seven countries confirmed the unanimous decision after several hours of closed – door debate on possible EU sanctions.

The NATO warning followed the same rules. “We will not compromise on NATO’s right to choose its own path, NATO’s right to protect and defend all its members, and NATO cooperation with Ukraine.”General Secretary of the Coalition General Jens Stoltenberg said after a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zhelensky at NATO headquarters.

Russia demands drop of NATO “Formally” Its decision to open the door to the unification of Ukraine and Georgia in 2008 marked a red line for the Kremlin.

“We must avoid engaging in the Moscow game, Explained to Agence France-Presse (AFP), a European government representative on Thursday. When faced with Russian military pressure, mistakes must be avoided: acceptance of the conditions is a weak process, but escalation must be avoided. “

Call to conversation

Russia on Wednesday handed over a list to US Assistant Secretary of State for Europe Karen Danpride “Proposals” On the legal guarantees requested during NATO’s visit to Moscow. M^Me Diplomatic sources in NATO learned that Danfield had gone to Brussels on Thursday to present proposals to the ambassadors of the member states.

Jens Stoltenberg formalized a decision that could not be allowed in Moscow. And 21 NATO EU leaders have shown their commitment not to bow down and have called on Moscow to engage in dialogue with Kiev.

“Our strategy is based on a number of approaches: prevention, resumption of dialogue and support for Ukraine.”, French President Emmanuel Macron explained during a press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholes.

The French head of state on Thursday announced that European leaders would extend sanctions imposed on Russia for six months after the annexation of Crimea in 2014. No details have been released on the new restrictions. “The best way to use the weapon of obstacles is to leave the enemy in a state of uncertainty.”, Explained a European ambassador.

North Stream 2 gas pipeline between Russia and Germany, recently completed but not yet in service, “This is part of a bigger puzzle”, Promised the head of the Polish government Mateusz Morawiecki. But Olaf Scholes blocked questions about the pipeline. “This is a personal project”, He declared. A diplomatic source explained that the use of this infrastructure as a lever splits its alliance.

Disappointment in Ukraine

Supporter of sanctions, Volodymyr Zhelensky did not hide his frustration with the EU’s wait-and-see attitude: “Many European leaders generally do not understand what is happening on our borders.”, Lamented the President of Ukraine.

Moscow has been accused of backing pro-Russian separatist forces fighting Ukrainian forces in the Donbass region (east), Zhelensky promised. “Do not submit to provocations” And no “No aggressive attitude”.

Twenty-seven calls “Encouraging Diplomatic Efforts” With Moscow as a part “Normandy form”. Established at the 2015 summit in Minsk, this diplomatic framework includes the role of evaluators between France and Germany in the negotiations between the two militant groups.

The coalition, for its part, renewed its plan to merge the NATO-Russia Council, a consultative body formed in 2002 between the two camps. Moscow has so far rejected the plan. Bringing Russia back to the negotiating table was not easy, President Olaf Scholes agreed. “Moscow does not want to return to the Normandy form and wants to negotiate with the United States.”, Explained the European diplomat. “Americans support a return to this form of negotiation and negotiations are underway with Moscow, but nothing has been set yet.”, He expressed optimism.