NATO chief calls for 'pressure' on Russia on Ukraine

BRUSSELS, Belgium

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Wednesday called on countries to "redouble efforts" to implement the Minsk agreement "in full" for the Ukraine.

"I call on all parties to redouble their efforts to implement the Minsk agreements in full. As a first step, we need to see an immediate and full cease-fire. In the meantime, the international community must keep pressuring Russia to respect its obligations," he told journalists following a NATO-Ukraine Commission foreign minister-level meeting.

"Especially while the security situation in eastern Ukraine remains so serious, it is important that economic sanctions be maintained."

Stoltenberg said that at the meeting, Russia’s continued aggressive actions were discussed, stressing the importance of implementing Minsk and NATO’s enduring support for Ukraine.

"The security situation remains serious. Last month saw a massive increase in cease-fire violations and they continue, with hundreds of explosions caused every day by equipment banned under the Minsk agreements," he said.

"As Ukraine continues on its reform path, NATO and NATO allies will continue to provide strong practical and political support. For Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and for its efforts to build a better future for all Ukrainians," the NATO chief added.

Despite the Minsk cease-fire agreement between the Ukrainian government and pro-Russian separatists in February 2015, implementation remained stalled.

Under the deal, the conflicting parties were required to withdraw heavy weaponry from combat areas, ensure withdrawal of all foreign armed groups, and take steps toward political reforms and decentralization in the eastern Ukrainian regions.

Crimea was formally annexed by Moscow in March 2014 after an illegal independence vote on the heels of violent anti-government protests in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, that led to the overthrow of then-President Victor Yanukovich.

The UN General Assembly voted almost unanimously to proclaim the annexation illegal.

Along with many other UN members, including the U.S. and the EU, Turkey does not recognize Crimea as Russian territory.

Reporting by Ata Ufuk Seker; Writing by Satuk Buğra Kutlugün;