Russia’s aggression against Ukraine challenges our vision of a Europe whole, free and at peace. It fundamentally changes Europe’s security landscape. And it causes instability right on NATO’s borders.

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.

We will agree on ways to support our partner Ukraine, with political and practical measures within the framework of our long-standing partnership.

An independent, sovereign and stable Ukraine, firmly committed to democracy and respect for human rights, minorities, and the rule of law, is key to Euro-Atlantic security.

And we will make clear that Russia’s actions are unacceptable. We will take decisions on which cooperation with Russia is still appropriate. Because through its actions, Russia has undermined the principles on which our partnership is built, and has breached its own international commitments. So we cannot go on doing business as usual.

Image: NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, April 1, 2014 (photo: NATO)