From Helene Cooper, New York Times: Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel warned Russia on Thursday to stay out of the turmoil in Ukraine , while NATO defense ministers issued repeated statements meant to show support for the new leadership in Kiev.
“We expect other nations to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and avoid provocative action,” Mr. Hagel said after the ministers met at NATO headquarters here. “That’s why I’m closely watching Russia’s military exercises along the Ukrainian border, which they just announced yesterday. . . .”
Anders Fogh Rasmussen, the secretary general of the NATO, posted Twitter messages Thursday morning warning Russia not to intervene in Ukraine after armed men seized a government headquarters in the Crimea region of southern Ukraine and raised the Russian flag. . . .
Speaking to reporters after the NATO meeting on Ukraine, Mr. Hagel urged Russia “not to take any steps that could be misinterpreted, or lead to miscalculations during a delicate time.” He said he would be talking to General [Sergei] Shoigu soon by telephone.
From Chuck Hagel, Department of Defense: [T]oday I affirm America’s strong support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. And NATO defense ministers made the same declaration in a joint statement.
We expect other nations to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and avoid provocative actions. That’s why I’m closely watching Russia’s military exercises along the Ukrainian border, which they announced, as you know, yesterday. I expect Russia to be transparent about these activities. And I urge them not to take any steps that could be misinterpreted or lead to miscalculation during a very delicate time, a time of great tension.
It’s important for all nations with an interest in a peaceful future for Ukraine to work together transparently to support a Ukrainian government that fulfills the aspirations of its people.
Our session today also focused on Ukraine’s opportunities for defense reform and our ongoing military-to-military cooperation, including Ukraine’s participation in NATO operations. And we welcomed the Ukrainian armed forces’ responsible decision to exercise restraint amidst the nation’s political turmoil. . . .
My staff and Minister Shoigu’s staff are arranging a call now. I would look forward to talking with Minister Shoigu sometime here in the next day or two, so that’s in process.
Image: Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, Feb. 27, 2014 (photo: NATO)