NATO secretary general: "Russia's actions are unacceptable"

As NATO began its Foreign Affairs Ministers meeting on Tuesday in Brussels, Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen remarked that the "meeting today is very timely."

"Russia's aggression against Ukraine," the secretary general pointed out, "causes instability right on NATO's borders."

On Monday, NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu offered a preview of the two-day conference. "The first working session ... will focus on support for Ukraine and the review of our relations with Russia. Ministers will also discuss the ability to operate with partners and defence capacity building."

With regard to NATO's response to Russia's actions toward Ukraine, Rasmussen asserted Tuesday that "we will make clear that Russia's actions are unacceptable."

In March, Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in what the international community largely regarded as an illegal action under international law and Ukraine's constitution.

Russia has also amassed between 40,000 and 88,000 troops along the border of Ukraine.

Despite Moscow's assertion that it was pulling back some troops, Rasmussen told the NATO foreign ministers on Tuesday, "Unfortunately I cannot confirm that Russia is withdrawing its troops."

"Today, we will show our steadfast commitment to NATO’s collective defence. Defence starts with deterrence. So we will take the necessary steps to make it clear to the world that no threat against NATO Allies will succeed."

[NATO] [CNN]