Stoltenberg-Concerned Russia Trying To Stage Pretext For Attack On Ukraine

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg delivering a presser in Brussels at the secon day of the NATO defence ministers' meeting.

• Link to livestream:https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/events_67375.htm
• Stoltenberg raises prospect of a 'false flag' operation in Donbas: "We are concerned that Russia is trying to stage a pretext for armed attack in Ukraine....Russia has amassed the biggest force we have seen in decades."
• Stoltenberg: "Despite Moscow's claims, we have seen no signs of withdrawal or de-escalation so far. On the contrary, Russia's build up appears to continue"
• On potential Ukrainian membership of NATO: ""Any decision on NATO membership of aspirant countries is a matter for NATO, and the member states, and no one else".
• UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss tweets: "Very concerned about reports today of increased Russian aggression: over 7,000 extra troops near the Ukraine border and an attack by pro-Russian troops on a kindergarten in Ukraine. UK calls on Russia to withdraw its troops - there is still time for diplomacy and de-escalation."