NATO on Monday condemned what it called Russia's "ongoing and wide-ranging military build-up in Crimea" on the fifth anniversary of Moscow's annexation of the Ukrainian peninsula.

As Russia celebrated what it terms its "reunification" with Crimea, NATO hit out at Moscow over its plans to further militarise the Black Sea.

The annexation of Crimea in March 2014 and Russia's role in the Ukraine conflict sent ties between NATO and Moscow plunging to post-Cold War lows.

NATO said there would be no return to "business as usual" with Moscow until there was a "a clear, constructive change in Russia's actions".

"We condemn Russia's ongoing and wide-ranging military build-up in Crimea, and are concerned by Russia's efforts and stated plans for further military build-up in the Black Sea region," NATO's ruling North Atlantic Council said in a statement.

The statement said NATO would never recognise Russia's annexation of Crimea and urged Moscow to return the territory to Ukraine.

Related Links
Learn about the Superpowers of the 21st Century at SpaceWar.com
Learn about nuclear weapons doctrine and defense at SpaceWar.com

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

China urges Europe not to turn competition into rivalry
Beijing (AFP) March 13, 2019
China on Wednesday urged the European Union not to turn "beneficial competition" between the two partners into a "rivalry" after Brussels outlined a shift to more assertive relations with Beijing. Top European policymakers on Tuesday released a 10-point plan for addressing relations with Beijing as fears grow about Chinese investment and influence on critical infrastructure, including new communication technology. China is both a cooperative partner and an "economic competitor in pursuit of tec ... read more