“Regarding the Russian presence in eastern Ukraine, we have stated again and again that Russia is present with military personnel. And it is based on our own intelligence sources, it’s based on open sources, it’s based on reports in the media, it’s based on reports from non-governmental organizations… But today that’s also confirmed by President Putin," said the NATO Secretary General.
"He [Vladimir Putin] stated that Russia has personnel in eastern Ukraine, and that this personnel – they have conducted military activities, and that’s what we normally call soldiers. So I think that it once again underlines a special responsibility of Russia when it comes to the full implementation of the Minsk agreements,” said Stoltenberg.
Read alsoNATO chief: Syria, Ukraine crises underline importance of NATO activityAccording to the NATO chief, the full implementation of the Minsk agreements is the only way to a peaceful negotiated solution to the crisis in eastern Ukraine. He stressed on the need for withdrawal of heavy weapons, withdrawal of forces, ensuring the ceasefire.
“NATO continues to stand by Ukraine with both political and practical support. And we strongly support the implementation of the Minsk Agreements. There has been some progress over the last months, but recently we have seen an increased number of violations of the ceasefire. And there is a real risk of a resumption of violence. Ukraine still does not have full control over its border, Russia has still not withdrawn its troops or equipment. Illegal groups have not been disarmed. So it is really vital to make sure that all sides keep their commitments, and Russia bears a special responsibility,” said Stoltenberg.
Read alsoPutin eventually admits Russians in Donbas "solving" military issuesAs UNIAN reported earlier, during an annual press conference on Decemer 17, Russian President Vladimir Putin admitted that Russia deployed its military in Donbas to solve “certain issues, including in the military sphere.”
"We have never said there are no people there who are engaged in solving certain issues, including those in the military sphere, but this does not mean that there are regular Russian troops. You should feel the difference," Putin said, answering a question from an UNIAN correspondent about Russian military personnel entering Donbas.
