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NATO Military Activity Near Russia Is Response to Moscow's Actions

Sputnik News

05:09 11.12.2014(updated 05:39 11.12.2014)

A spokesperson for the Chairman of NATO's Military Committee stated that NATO explains its increased military activity near Russian borders as counteractions to Moscow's alleged participation in Ukrainian crisis.

BRUSSELS, December 11 (Sputnik) – NATO sees its increased military activity near Russia's borders as a response to Moscow's alleged part in Ukrainian crisis, Captain (N) Dan B. Termansen, spokesperson for the Chairman of NATO's Military Committee told RIA Novosti.

'These [NATO's increased military activity near Russian borders] are part of our assurance measures in reaction to Russia's violation of international law and not respecting the independence and sovereignty of Ukraine,' Termansen stated Wednesday. 'And they are a reaction to the low level of transparency of the Russian intentions as words do not seem to match deeds on the Russian side.'

According to Termansen, NATO will respect and support Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as Russia has 'illegally and illegitimately annexed Crimea' and has destabilized the situation in Ukraine 'in violation of international law.'

He has also said that NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg 'has repeatedly called on Russia to reverse its illegal and illegitimate annexation of Crimea,' stating that there is no way NATO could ever recognize Crimea as a part of Russia.

Relations between Russia and NATO have deteriorated, following the escalation of the Ukrainian crisis. The alliance has repeatedly accused Moscow of interfering in Ukraine's internal affairs, sending troops to Ukraine, and has claimed that Russia planned to invade the country. Russia has repeatedly denied these allegations.

Following the reunification of Crimea with Russia in March, NATO boosted its military presence close to Russian borders, specifically in Poland and the former Soviet Baltic states of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. Russia has repeatedly expressed concern over NATO's increased military presence in neighboring states.

In April, NATO ended all logistical cooperation with Russia, maintaining only contact at ambassadorial and higher levels.

© Sputnik