NATO head warns crushing reaction if Russia breaches Ukraine security guarantees

Russia would see that, with the security guarantees in place, it should never attempt to attack Ukraine again because NATO’s reaction would be devastating, and that this was exactly what was being discussed, the NATO chief Mark Rutte warned.

In an interview with the BBC, he added that this is exactly what is being discussed, Caliber.Az reports.

The alliance’s chief highlighted that NATO countries’ commitment to spending 5% of their economic output on defence is US President Donald Trump’s “biggest foreign policy success.” 

Rutte noted that NATO is “stronger than it ever was” thanks to Trump, adding that he “is good news for collective defence, for NATO, and for Ukraine.”

European allies who met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin on December 15 said a European-led force is also planned to "assist in the regeneration of Ukraine's forces, in securing Ukraine's skies, and in supporting safer seas, including through operating inside Ukraine."

Putin has opposed any such ideas. He has also warned that Russia does not seek conflict with Europe, but is ready "right now" if Europe wants to - or starts a war.

Earlier, The Telegraph reported that the US and Europe have developed security guarantees for Ukraine, under which American troops will not be stationed in the country, but Washington would be able to use F-16 fighter jets and Tomahawk missiles to “deliver retaliatory strikes” in the event of a breach of peace by Moscow.

At the same time, “pre-emptive strikes” are excluded due to the risk of escalating the conflict. According to the outlet, any military action by the US would begin only after it is clearly established that responsibility for any escalation lies with Russia.

By Jeyhun Aghazada