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NATO slams Russia’s ‘blatant violation’ of Ukraine’s sovereignty

NATO as accused Russia of breaching Ukraine’s sovereignty by directly supporting rebels in the east of the country.

Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, speaking after an emergency meeting with NATO ambassadors, said that "despite hollow denials", it was clear that Russian forces illegally crossed the border into Ukrainian territory.

"This is not an isolated action, but part of a dangerous pattern over many months to destabilise Ukraine as a sovereign nation," he said.

"This is a blatant violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It defies all diplomatic efforts for a peaceful solution."

Rasmussen called on Russia to halt all military action and supporting the rebels, and to take “immediate and verifiable steps towards de-escalation of this grave crisis".

Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseny Yatsenyuk earlier today said his government was reopening discussions into Nato membership.

"The government is entering a bill to Verkhovna Rada [parliament] about the cancellation of Ukraine's non-bloc status and resumption of Ukraine's course for Nato membership," Yatsenyuk said.

Rasmussen responded: "I am not going to interfere with political discussions in Ukraine, but let me remind you of Nato's decision taken at the Bucharest Summit in 2008 according to which Ukraine will become a member of Nato, provided of course that Ukraine so wishes and provided that Ukraine fulfils the necessary criteria."

Russia meanwhile continued to deny sending troops, blaming the Ukrainians for the escalation in the crisis.

"It is necessary to make the Ukrainian authorities start substantial talks [with the rebels]," President Vladimir Putin said.

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