NATO has conveyed its written proposals to Russia amid current tension over Ukraine, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has stated. 

The alliance has called on Russia once again to’ immediately de-escalate the situation.’

Stoltenberg outlined the ‘three main areas where we see room for progress.’

“First, NATO-Russia relations.Russia has cut diplomatic ties with NATO, which makes our dialogue more difficult. So we should re-establish our respective offices in Moscow and in Brussels.We should also make full use of our existing military-to-military channels of communications, to promote transparency and reduce risks, and look also into setting up a civilian hotline for emergency use,” Stoltenberg said.

He said that the second is European security, including the situation in and around Ukraine.

“We are prepared to listen to Russia’s concerns, and engage in a real conversation on how to uphold and strengthen the fundamental principles of European security that we have all signed up to, starting with the Helsinki Final Act. This includes the right of each nation to choose its own security arrangements.

“Russia should refrain from coercive force posturing, aggressive rhetoric, and malign activities directed against Allies and other nations.

“Russia should also withdraw its forces from Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova, where they are deployed without these countries’ consent, and all parties should engage constructively in efforts to settle conflicts, including in the Normandy format.

The area for cooperation , cited by Stoltenberg is risk reduction, transparency, and arms control.