Sec Gen-Russia Building Up In North, But No Change In Nuclear Posture

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg delivering doorstep comments ahead of foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels. Livestream:https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/events_67375.htm States that 'We have seen a Russian build-up in the north over previous years, this is part of a pattern...NATO is constantly assessing its posture and its exercises.' Says that 'We have not seen so far any changes in Russia's nuclear posture that would require any change in NATO posture.'

• On the occasion of Finland's accession states that the move is 'truly historic', adding that 'we will ensure that Sweden will also become a full member of NATO.' Stoltenberg: 'There will be no NATO troops in Finland without Finland's consent.' The centre-right National Coalition Party, which emerged as the largest in the parliament following Sunday's general election, is committed to NATO membership. Most opposition to NATO troops on Finnish territory comes from leftist parties, which are set to lose power.
• Stoltenberg: 'NATO does not aim to provoke conflict, but prevent it.'