NATO chief voices support for Ukraine amid 'Russia threat'

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg voiced support Wednesday for Ukraine in a telephone call with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky.

“Spoke to President Zelensky to express NATO’s strong support to #Ukraine in face of #Russia threat. Allies call on Russia to de-escalate immediately," Stoltenberg wrote on Twitter. "We’re ready to engage in further dialogue with Russia but won’t compromise on key principles.”

The talks focused on the diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating the security situation around Ukraine, according to the press service of the president's office.

During the conversation, Stoltenberg informed Zelensky about the results of the recent meeting of the NATO-Russia Council and the prospects for further negotiations with Russia on European security issues.

For his part, the Ukrainian leader thanked Stoltenberg for the support for Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations, sovereignty and independence.

Zelensky also voiced the hope that the alliance would strengthen its assistance for Ukraine to boost the country's defense capabilities and its ability to counter modern threats, including cyberattacks.