Stoltenberg says possible to reach political settlement of differences between NATO & Russia

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg believes that the risk of a military conflict between the alliance and the Russian Federation remains, but the parties can reach a political solution to resolve their differences, Report informs.

Stoltenberg expressed his opinion on January 9 in an interview with the Financial Times.

“It is possible to find together a path, a political way forward, and also to address Russia’s concerns... But there continues to be a risk of conflict,” Stoltenberg said in an interview. “Nato’s deterrence is credible and strong... We have to hope and work hard for the best, but be prepared for the worst.”

Russia’s demands include a ban on Ukraine and other countries joining Nato and a Kremlin veto on alliance activities in member states that joined after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Stoltenberg said both conditions were unacceptable because they breached Nato’s “core principles” of offering membership to all and defending allies equally.

Instead, Stoltenberg said the US and Nato were prepared to speak with Russia about possible risk-reduction measures such as “arms control, on efforts to try to have more transparency on military activity, exercises, and also on lines of communications”.

Ruling out US missile deployments in Ukraine and discussing broader rules on missile systems in Europe were two areas where Washington saw possible scope for agreement, a senior Biden administration official said ahead of the talks, adding that it would be dependent on whether “Russia is willing to make a reciprocal commitment”.

The US was also “willing to explore the possibility of reciprocal restrictions on the size and scope of [military] exercises, including both strategic bombers close to each other’s territory, and ground-based exercises as well”, the official said, adding that “no firm commitments” would be made in Geneva.

While the Kremlin has voiced hope for quick solutions from the talks, Stoltenberg said he expected it would take “a series of meetings” to find any mutually acceptable outcomes.

“We are ready to strive for a better relationship,” said the former Norwegian prime minister. “We have proven before that we are able to make compromises and find solutions with Russia.”