Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (AP) says that Russian forces have moved into Ukraine. Norway will support sanctions but also continue a pragmatic neighborly relationship with Russia.

Støre condemned Russia’s act of recognizing Donetsk and Luhansk as independent countries, noting that there is a risk of a full invasion of Ukraine.

“Yesterday, Russian forces entered these areas of Ukraine. According to international law, this is Ukrainian territory, and it is a very serious act,” Støre said at a press conference on Tuesday.

When asked by NTB whether Støre fears that there will soon be fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces, the Prime Minister replied as follows: “There is reason to fear (that).”

The statements from Moscow that the recognition also applies to areas that Ukrainian forces now control make Støre draw that conclusion.

“We must follow and see what Ukraine’s reaction to something that is happening on their territory will be,” Støre added.

He described the development as very serious and a violation of important parts of international law. He also emphasized that there are no signs of increased or unusual activity near Norway’s border with Russia.

Criticism aimed at Putin and Lavrov

He harshly criticized President Vladimir Putin’s speech on Monday night and the statements made by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday.

“It is worth reading what Putin said yesterday. In reality, he rejects Ukraine’s right to be an independent state.

“What the Russian president said yesterday – followed up by the foreign minister today – is a new attitude. It also has consequences for how our allies feel that they are exposed,” Støre said.

Warns against invasion

He says there is reason to believe that Russia wants to weaken Ukraine as a state and then carry out a full-scale invasion.

“This is a violation of important parts of international law and is a situation that gives cause for concern about what will come. President Putin has previously, in small situations, moved with small steps. This may mean that what is now happening in eastern Ukraine will be a situation that lasts,” Støre said.

“It’s serious in Europe… It is a situation that Europe and the United States must react very forcefully to – this is something Norway agrees with,” Støre said.

He rejects that it may be relevant for Norway to introduce separate sanctions – but said that Norway would join the EU sanctions regime.

NATO exercise to move forward as planned

Støre also made it clear that the announced military exercise Cold Response will move forward as planned in March.

“It will be perhaps the largest NATO exercise this year, it will take place in Norway.” 

Støre also emphasized that Norway wants to maintain a good neighborhood with Russia, despite the development.

“Norway as a neighbor has lived with the Soviet Union and Russia for many decades and managed to maintain that neighborly relationship in a pragmatic way. We want to continue that,” Støre said. 

“But for Norway, it is important… when it comes to security in Europe, to stand firm with our allies.” 

Source : © NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayNews

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