The North Atlantic Alliance will uphold the principles of inviolability of state borders, have never recognized the illegitimate annexation of Crimea and expresses commitment to provide practical support to Ukraine. This was stated by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during a meeting with Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman on Monday. The meeting between the Head of Ukraine’s Government and NATO Secretary General is taking place for the first time during the NATO Council’s visit to Ukraine on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Charter on a Distinctive Partnership between the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and Ukraine.

"NATO do not and will not recognize Russia’s illegal and illegitimate annexation of Crimea. We have clearly stated that Russia must withdraw its forces from eastern Ukraine, stop supporting the militants and stop all the activities undermining and trying to destabilize Ukraine, in particular hybrid warfare and cyber-attacks", Jens Stoltenberg said.

He recalled that currently there are 10 NATO trust funds providing support to Ukraine, in particular Command, Control, Communications and Computers; Logistics and Standardization; Cyber Defence; Medical Rehabilitation etc.

"I want to underline how grateful we are, the NATO, to Ukraine for the support you provide to the Alliance. Ukraine participates in all NATO-led missions from Afghanistan, Kosovo, Mediterranean, and Africa. So this partnership is mutually beneficial for both the NATO and Ukraine. We are grateful for an effective partnership", stressed Jens Stoltenberg.