They [Russia] have increased the number of troops, so far, there is no de-escalation. Such a statement made today NATO Secretary General ahead of the meetings of NATO Defence Ministers in Brussels.

“I think the message and the signs we heard from Moscow yesterday provides some grounds for cautious optimism because that was a message about diplomacy. And we have been ready for diplomatic efforts talks with Russia throughout this crisis. We have stated that again and again and conveyed our proposals to Russia in written and we are waiting for their response.

At the same time, we have not seen any withdrawal of Russian forces. That contradicts the message of real diplomatic efforts. It remains to be seen whether there is a Russian withdrawal. We are monitoring very closely what Russia does in and around Ukraine. They have increased the number of troops and more troops are on their way.

So far, there is no de-escalation. But we hear the message about diplomacy and we are ready to engage in diplomatic efforts with Russia. Let me just add that the that this ministerial will focus on the critical security situation in Europe but we will also have other meetings. We will meet with our partners from Ukraine and Georgia. That will be a platform to address the importance of sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries in Europe, including Georgia and Ukraine. We will also meet with our close partners, Sweden and Finland, and the European Union. There will also be a regular meeting of the NATO Nuclear Planning Group”, - said Jens Stoltenberg.