NATO Gen-Sec highlights Russian occupation of Georgian lands in his annual report

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg highlighted Russia’s illegal actions on the territory of Georgia in his annual report released today.

The Secretary General addressed the recent use of a nerve agent in the United Kingdom, noting that this was "the first offensive use of a nerve agent on Alliance territory since NATO’s foundation”.

All Allies agree that the attack was a clear breach of international norms and agreements,” and they have "called on Russia to address the UK’s questions”, Stoltenberg said.

He said that the backdrop to the attack was "a reckless pattern of Russian behaviour over many years”.

This behaviour includes the illegal annexation of Crimea and military support to separatists in Eastern Ukraine. The military presence in Moldova and Georgia against these countries’ will. 

Meddling in Montenegro and elsewhere in the Western Balkans. Attempts to subvert democratic elections and institutions. And the military build-up from the North of Europe to the Middle East,” Stoltenberg stated.

He also warned that the "blurring of the line” between nuclear and conventional warfare "lowers the threshold for Russia’s use of nuclear weapons”.