NATO chief warns Russia against ‘aggressive actions’ at Ukraine border

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Monday cautioned Moscow against any aggression after “large and unusual concentrations of Russian forces” were spotted at Ukraine’s border in recent weeks.

“NATO remains vigilant. We are monitoring this situation very closely,” Stoltenbeg said after a meeting with Ukraine’s foreign minister.

“Any further provocation or aggressive actions by Russia would be of serious concern. We call on Russia to be transparent about its military activities,” Stoltenberg said.

He added that it was “important to prevent escalation and reduce tensions”.

The United States has been voicing increasing concern to allies over the recent Russian troop movements at the frontier with Ukraine.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said last week it would be a “serious mistake for Russia to engage in a repeat of what it did in 2014”, when it seized Crimea from Kiev.

And on Monday, Germany’s foreign ministry urged Moscow to exercise “restraint” at the Ukrainian border.