The NATO-Ukraine Commission met at NATO Headquarters on Wednesday to discuss the current situation in Crimea.

The Political Director of Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oleksiy Makeiev, and a representative of the Crimean Tatar community, Eskender Bariiev, briefed Allies on the security environment and human rights violations.

According to a release, Allies reaffirmed NATO’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They expressed concern over human rights violations in Crimea, targeting the Crimean Tatar population, as well as other ethnic, political and religious groups.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stressed:

“Crimea is Ukraine. Five years on, NATO Allies do not and will not recognise Russia’s illegal annexation. We continue to stand by Ukraine with political and practical support. We have not forgotten the heavy price the Ukrainian people continue to pay for their desire to decide their own future free from outside interference.”

NATO continues to call on Russia to immediately release the Ukrainian sailors and ships it seized in November near the Kerch Strait. Allies have increased their practical support to Ukraine in light of the security situation in the Black Sea.

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George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison
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Rob
Rob
5 years ago

In reality there is very little NATO can do about it other than continue to raise the issue politically. Even then Russia will continue to use disinformation and denial and they will get away with it. I wonder where the line is though.

Herodotus
5 years ago
Reply to  Rob

Probably on the Polish border!

David
David
5 years ago
Reply to  Rob

Russia has chosen its own path. It’s a future where most countries treat it as a dictatorship that has little or no real standing in the world. It will take many years to heal the distrust and misinformation which Putin has engrained in his own people. The West now knows Russia as the liar and errant dysfunctional child who only knows how to lie even in the face of overwhelming evidence. Its a massive shame as just 15 years ago Russia seemed to have a bright prosperous future. What now?

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
5 years ago
Reply to  David

“It will take many years to heal the distrust and misinformation which Putin has engrained in his own people. The West now knows Russia as the liar and errant dysfunctional child who only knows how to lie even in the face of overwhelming evidence.” And the mass of the current political class and much of the mainstream media in this country are any different? Look what is happening right now in Parliament and elsewhere. I voted to leave not to have the vote that I was told would be respected and which millions voted honestly on, leave or remain, blocked,… Read more »

dave12
dave12
5 years ago

I agree with there being some hypocricy in the west as you said ,democracy, Righteouness but the west is a far better side then Russia right now.Putin is pumping out extreme right misinfomation all the time ,he blames the jews for Russias fails in every aspect which his trolls endorse all the time and he is sending out and funding exterme racist groups out to western style nations , Australia being one of them with the white wolves bikers for example, to spread the word of putinism and fraction , so they are a threat ideology wise and thats the… Read more »

Ulya
Ulya
5 years ago
Reply to  dave12

Dave, would you be so kind to show me a link where Putin is blaming Jews for our problems, I must of missed him saying that.

David
David
5 years ago

Daniele – You seem to have manipulated my post to suit your preferred reply! I was not making a comment on the West. But if you want to compare; I fully realise the failings of our own government but I would trust ANY western country before Russia. Russia has made a fool of itself! Most of your replied post has nothing to do with my original post. If the article was about Brexit, I would have replied with a comment regarding Brexit.

dave12
dave12
5 years ago
Reply to  David

Ulya!!!! its easy go on RT news channel on youtube and read some of the comments below or just go to their website as RTs factory trolls cant shut up about the jews, Rothschilds, soros,but im sure you know this already dont you. 😉

Ulya
Ulya
5 years ago
Reply to  David

True, there are plenty of comments on Rt English language and sites like Russian Insider full of people blaming the Jews. Most of them seem to be pro Russian westerners who have this misguided idea that Russia is some sort of paradise with no problems, they are really annoying, you can call them trolls, to me they are just idiots who have never been to Russia and are talking out thier arse. Im more interested in your comment of Putin blaming the Jews as he is very careful with his language. Your last sentence, maybe I read it wrong, but… Read more »

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
5 years ago
Reply to  David

Agree David. I was making a comparison and expanding on it with what I see as similarities, using your post indeed! Which I thought was the point of discussion forums like this! OK. Part 2. Based on your post ONLY. OK. I agree David, Putin has done some very naughty things, suppresses opposition parties, seems to have politicians murdered, and is trying to rebuild Russia into a force on the world stage. He has moved his military into Crimea and is interfering with Ukraine with Proxy warfare. Interestingly, both are within the Russian sphere of influence and actually have many… Read more »

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
5 years ago
Reply to  David

David.

As for my rant being TLDR for some and still maybe sliding OT to your first post.

Yes Putin has been a SOAB and the west is right to beware and stop senseless cuts to our military.

But lets see things in perspective and not go too anti Russia.

John Clark
John Clark
5 years ago

Absolutely Daniele, BREXIT is being betrayed by the smug political classes, who have gleefully set about dismantling the whole thing. It’s an astonishing end to our democratic system and creates dangerous situation moving forward. We can expect vile parties of the extreme right and left to move to fill the gaps that Labour and Conservative find themselves booted out of….. Personally speaking, if they fail to deliver on BREXIT ( fully out) then I will never vote for the main parties again. I shall nail my colours to whatever mast our Nigel desides to support, as will many, many others… Read more »

Jonathan
Jonathan
5 years ago

Hay Daniele. Not being a Firm remainder or leaver ( I will take what’s best for my family and friends, region and county, in that order) I find all of what’s going on in parliament strangely reassuring. 1) an executive with clear and evident checks on its power may be frustrating, but history has one thing to teach, strong executives end up killing lots of people. Weak executive =happy people in the long run ( you can have a weak executive and strong society). 2) I can’t stand single point decisions, it’s not democratic and ends in Badly thought out… Read more »

Jon
5 years ago

Comparing Russian actions to Brexit??? oh please, you were promised by a former PM, any other PM has no requirement to follow that promise and Brexit is looking more and more like a disaster, so much for having the upper hand over the EU, just go back to putting your hand in the sand and repeating “its all project fear!”

Mark
Mark
5 years ago
Reply to  Rob

The real prize for the Russians is the rest of the Ukraine. Didn’t that used to be called the breadbasket of the Soviet Union. It would add to their GDP significantly. I would not be surprised if they tried to gobble that up and I doubt they care what the west thinks. In theory NATO could help turn any spring offensive into a costly exercise by supplying arms etc. Its a little like Hitler – at what point do you say enough is enough?

dave12
dave12
5 years ago

ULya I can tell you out of experiance that most are not pro Russian westerners commenting anti jew or anti western comments they are just Russians who give them selves fake western names I know how it works and I think you know as well lol!!

Ulya
Ulya
5 years ago
Reply to  dave12

As you wish Dave, much easier to blame trolls for your lazy thinking. Dont forget to check under your bed

SoleSurvivor
SoleSurvivor
5 years ago
Reply to  Ulya

Ulya, Dave is a fascinating creature, he has been trolling underneath articles that have anything to do with Russia for well over a year, barely if ever comments about anything else, then has the audacity to call people trolls. He is one of those grew up on James Bond and Jason Bourne types, a Hollywood movie fantasist that cannot comprehend any notion that the west might actually be the bad guys, that the west might be the ones lying, he believes what the mainstream media and his government tell him as absolute gospel and will not entertain otherwise. The man… Read more »

dave12
dave12
5 years ago
Reply to  SoleSurvivor

Well its pretty well known about the Russian troll factorys as fact and this coming from you solesurvivor who thinks Novichoks attack is some big UK goverment conspiracy testing it on its own people. Whos the fantasist now ?? Your hypocricy stinks comrade.

Elliott
Elliott
5 years ago
Reply to  dave12

“Known” or railed about in the press?
Really the fact anyone is willing to take any state is willing to always listen and believe just shows they are unable to think.

Є Ть
Є Ть
5 years ago
Reply to  SoleSurvivor

Don’t feed ruSSian bloody troll

Є Ть
Є Ть
5 years ago
Reply to  Ulya

F..cked Russian trolls overcrowded entire Internet.
I hope your bloody hell tschoyhoo will succeed to complete your independent Soviet-net, and will incompatible with rest of the World as it was in f..coed SU.
And you, “ulya” will get what you really deserveS

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
5 years ago
Reply to  dave12

Hi Dave.

I know we talked about that months ago when I stood accursed ( accused ) of trolldom.

My offer of a pint still stands! I’m no more a Russian troll than Corbyn is pro Trident!

I cannot speak for others who make a lone post then vanish, and I’m sure Sole is not either. Cheers.

dave12
dave12
5 years ago

Hi Daniele yes I have a habit of jumping straight in with the Novichoks thing with a passion I must admit ,just like a witch hunter lol!! point is taken.Me TH certainly NOT. Cheers.

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
5 years ago
Reply to  dave12

Good. We at least understand each other.

Є Ть
Є Ть
5 years ago

May assure , Corbyn is not ruSSian troll, he is just on contract since 80-s

dave12
dave12
5 years ago

Come on then Ulya tell me your opinion on who was behind the Novichoks attack and did the GRU really hack the OPCW HQ???

Ulya
Ulya
5 years ago
Reply to  dave12

Simple answer Dave, I have no idea, I have seen so many different stories by both Russian and western media that I dont believe either side. If Russians are guilty then make a legal case and charge them, prove your case in court. Before you say it, no we will not extradite our people, so it will have to be in a Russian court, but to keep you happy we could have 6 or so judges (and no jury) from neutral countries both sides agree on and both sides agree to honour their verdict. Personally I have heard to many… Read more »

dave12
dave12
5 years ago
Reply to  Ulya

Yes well I think the UK goverment put thier case across with pretty much overwhelming evidence to the UN, the fact that the GRU agents identities were exsposed as Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov, matched to them being spotted on multiple CCTV footage ,one of being a 2 min walk away from the skirpals house where novichoks was found on a door handle, and it just so happens Mr skirpal is ex double agent who worked for MI6 what a coincidence ect ect. The uk goverment did make a legal case but Russia would not send the suspect for questioning… Read more »

Ulya
Ulya
5 years ago
Reply to  dave12

Glad you have all the answers Dave, why didnt the UK police take the offer and come to Russia to interview the suspects? Your government is well aware our constitution does not allow extradition. When does the accused party get the chance to see the evidence, to cross examine and defend themselves? If the UK is so confident in its case then there should be no problem. The difference between us Dave is you’re happy to believe your media and government because it suits your point of view of Russia, I just want facts that can be proven, and if… Read more »

dave12
dave12
5 years ago
Reply to  Ulya

Why didnt the UK police take the offer and come to Russia to interview the suspects? I should think its mistrust of the Russians crimnal system after the last assination of Alexander Litvinenko they did send police over to interview the suspects and where mis-led at every avenue, plus the suspects then and now are linked to the top ,the Russian state so of course it would be pointless as was said by the uk UN envoy.Well I do read the news but to behonest saying some thing like the BBC being biased on a news article would be strange… Read more »

Elliott
Elliott
5 years ago
Reply to  dave12

Dave
Overwhelming evidence? They have shown no evidence.
They have only made statements and used rhetoric.
Rhetoric is not evidence. If I went to court with just rhetorical “evidence” the judge would be some where between pissed and dismissive, neither of which for a good criminal case.
You couldn’t get a extradition warrant out of a US court with their amount of evidence much less Russia.

dave12
dave12
5 years ago
Reply to  Elliott

UN council evidence read that.Also I saw the Photos of the GRU agents Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov and then the stills on the CCTV so they looked the same to me, am I poor sighted or did the uk goverment fake it??? Also whats your opinion of the GRU agents caught outside the OPCW HQ by Dutch agents with hacking softwear in the boot of the car with this all filmed and with stills from the airport of them shown ,am I poor sighted or did the dutch agents fake it all ?????

Ulya
Ulya
5 years ago
Reply to  Elliott

You keep repeating the same things I read in your media Dave, accusation and more accusation, good for making political points. If the UK really wanted to harm Putin and make trouble inside Russia, proving Putin or some high government official sanctioned this attack would be a perfect opportunity, it would make many Russians angry and turn away from Putin, pity your government lacks courage and commitment and im starting to think real evidence all so. I will say it again Dave, take it to court, show your evidence, let the accused defend themselves, follow standard legal procedures, stop making… Read more »

Є Ть
Є Ть
5 years ago
Reply to  Ulya

Bloody ruSSian troll answer

Steven
Steven
5 years ago

Falkland islanders want to remain British ? OK
Gibraltarians want to remain British ? OK
Scottish want to remain in UK ? OK
Crimeans want to leave Ukraine and return to Russia ? Unacceptable

Why ? Should people be able to chose their status and governance or are they the property of hostile institutions.

Elliott
Elliott
5 years ago
Reply to  Steven

You missed a few:
Slovaks want to leave Czechoslovakia? Ok
Yugoslavia has secessions? Good, in fact let’s help.
Montenegro leaves Serbia? Awesome
Really it should be up to each countries Constitution.

J
J
5 years ago

On the Syrian situation, imagine an uprising in London trying to overthrow the government-or any European city or America, the government would react exactly how Assad did (look how France treats it’s protesters and now imagine they had guns trying to take down macron) it was a lose lose situation for him and the entire country or what’s left of it. How everybody in the West applauded the Arab Spring and look what it has done, we should of been trying to keep those countries from falling apart not bombing them into submission trying to change the regime, bad as… Read more »

Ivan Kalot
Ivan Kalot
5 years ago

DAt Bistard Puutin maks mee spit onn flour wiv is invasives ov Chiminea froom backside. Wee Is on gord awl times fore wen rusky Tonks an Harey woomans stik gunny bang bangs in reer holls. Wee joyne NATO sewn an wee is nott be-in buggerd bye shorty pointy knows, an is stenchmens wid oily bitts an biggy moonies an hoses in londan kickyball klubs.

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
5 years ago
Reply to  Ivan Kalot

I don’t want Ukraine joining NATO. I don’t fancy WW3 thank you very much!

Elliott
Elliott
5 years ago

Don’t be ridiculous if it happened in America it would be even bloodier. Look at what we did to each other with muskets. We killed more of each other in less time than they have with modern weapons. The benefits of a professional Officer Corps. Of course then again in the US it wouldn’t have gotten that far. The rebels in Aleppo where it all started didn’t have the support of the Governor. In the US that means the Governor would therefore order the Adjutant-General of his States National Guard to “Suppress Insurrection and Restore Oder.” (see 1967 riots, 1992… Read more »

dave12
dave12
5 years ago
Reply to  Elliott

If the ukraine kept its nukes and not give them up for guarantees from Russia that would respect the ukraines sovereignty I doubt Russia would have the balls to take the crimea.

captain P Wash.
captain P Wash.
5 years ago

Evening All, Blimey, Just been reading the Replies here, Two things spring to mind.

T and H.

Just sayin.!

captain P Wash.
captain P Wash.
5 years ago

Oh and Daniele, Don’t ask me to Translate, I’m Off out In a bit. Might have a go In the Morning though !!!!

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
5 years ago

Lol! I hadn’t thought about it on this occasion!

Sleep on it though! See how you feel in the morning Capn.

And have a good evening.

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
5 years ago

Department store?

captain P Wash.
captain P Wash.
5 years ago

LOL. TH See, T and H = 2 Things.

SoleSurvivor
SoleSurvivor
5 years ago

“Well I do read the news but to behonest saying some thing like the BBC being biased on a news article would be strange because they tend to give 2 sides of the story not just one”

??

I rest my case

Steve
Steve
5 years ago

Let’s not forget this is hardly a story of good Vs evil. The region is majoirty ethnic russian and was in massive poverty. From Russia’s perpespective they were doing the right thing. We have limited independent information but what limited we know the local people were in favour of the occupation. There is no doubting Russia played loose and fast of the issue, but just posting Russia bad, is over simplying the issue, but nicely fits with western policitics. Going to war over something like this would not end well, even if the west won without a nuclear war, they… Read more »

captain P Wash.
captain P Wash.
5 years ago
Reply to  Steve

Maybe We should send a “Light Brigade”.

Є Ть
Є Ть
5 years ago
Reply to  Steve

One more Russian troll is hired what I see

Є Ть
Є Ть
5 years ago

F..cked Russian trolls overcrowded entire Internet.
I hope your bloody hell tschoyhoo will succeed to complete your independent Soviet-net, and will incompatible with rest of the World as it was in f..coed SU.
And you, “ulya” will get what you really deserveS