NATO
Putin vows response to Western 'aggressive' policy
"If our Western colleagues continue their clearly aggressive line, we will take adequate retaliatory military-technical measures to respond firmly to hostile actions," Putin said at an expanded meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry Board. Putin reiterated that Russia stands against armed conflict and bloodshed and wishes to resolve issues through diplomacy, but there must be clear legal guarantees.
Russia unveils draft agreement with NATO on security
Russia and NATO shall not strengthen their security individually, including in the framework of international organisations, military alliances or coalitions at the expense of the security of others, read the document published by the Russian Foreign Ministry, Xinhua news agency reported.
Russia says NATO military aid to Ukraine only heightens tension
"NATO countries are increasing the supply of weapons to Ukraine, training its military personnel, and are not doing this with the mythical aim of maintaining stability and security, but to simply add fuel to the fire," the Ministry's Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said. During her weekly briefing, she expressed concern that these actions could drive Ukraine into a large-scale civil war.
Obligation to defend NATO allies does not extend to Ukraine, won't sent US troops: President Joe Biden
The US President said the moral and legal obligation to defend NATO allies if they are under attack does not extend to Ukraine as it is not a member of the 30-member bloc. In addition to this, Biden said that he hoped to announce a meeting with Russia and other NATO countries by Friday.
Russia tracks US destroyer in Black Sea amid NATO drills
The US Sixth Fleet tweeted on Friday that USS Porter began its northbound transit to the Black Sea to operate with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies and partners in the region, Xinhua news agency reported. The fleet headquartered in Italy's Naples, and Naval Striking and Support Forces of NATO staff began operations in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea on Friday to demonstrate "NATO's commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation in international waters."
Kremlin says it was right to sever ties with NATO
"The aggressive position of NATO has never been a secret. This is a bloc that was created against our country. No peace-loving statements, no camouflage of this aggressive orientation can hide its true purpose," Peskov told a Russian TV program, Xinhua news agency reported. Commenting on Ukraine's attempt to join NATO, Peskov said it is impossible for Russia to prevent it.
Kyrgyzstan not to host US military base: President
"We have a Russian base in Kant city. We don't need an American military base in the country. One military base is enough for us," Zhaparov said at his annual press conference on Saturday, adding that the agreement with the United States on the latter's military base located outside Bishkek ended years ago, Xinhua news agency reported.
NATO defence plan justifies Russia severing ties with it: Kremlin
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov made the remarks during his daily briefing on Friday after NATO Defence Ministers agreed on a new master plan a day earlier to defend against Russian threats on multiple fronts, reports Xinhua news agency. The Kremlin said that the new plan of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to deter Russia fully justifies Moscow's decision to end all official dialogue with the alliance.
NATO countries bear primary responsibility for Afghan situation: Putin
"While the participation of both China and Russia and other Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries is important, those countries that were fighting there (in Afghanistan) for 20 years bear primary responsibility for what is happening there," Xinhua news agency quoted Putin as saying at the plenary session of the 18th annual meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi on Thursday.
NATO to seek ways to engage with Russia
Addressing a press conference ahead of a two-day meeting of NATO Defence Ministers, Stoltenberg said NATO regretted Russia's decision "which does not promote dialogue and mutual understanding", reports Xinhua news agency. He added that NATO's policy remained consistent, and it remained "open to dialogue, including through the NATO Russia Council".
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