Norway condemns Russian military escalation in Crimea

“Together with the other members of NATO, Norway condemns Russia’s military escalation on the Crimean peninsula in Ukraine. Russia’s military activities in Crimea and the threats of further use of military force are a breach of international law. Russia has a particular responsibility to de-escalate the tense situation. The Russian authorities must immediately accept Ukraine’s request for dialogue with a view to resolving the crisis without the use of violence,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende.

On 1 March, the Russian parliament authorised the use of the armed forces of the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine. Since then, significant numbers of Russian troops and military equipment have been deployed and moved into the Crimean peninsula, where they have also surrounded military bases covered by the base agreement between Russia and Ukraine.

NATO member states discussed the grave situation in Ukraine both within the Alliance and with the Ukrainian authorities on 2 March. Norway and the other NATO allies have, in a statement issued by the North Atlantic Council, NATO’s principal decision-making body, sent a clear message on the Alliance’s assessment of Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

“Ukraine is an important partner for NATO and a neighbour of several NATO allies. This meeting in NATO is a clear indication of the gravity of the situation in Ukraine. Through its military actions in Crimea, and threats of further use of military force, Russia is violating its fundamental obligations under the UN Charter, the OSCE, the Council of Europe and the NATO-Russia Council. The fact that the North Atlantic Council has expressed its full support of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty sends an important signal to Russia,” said Mr Brende.