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Brit/pol - Stop shitting up the World edition
Samuel Hughes
Eli Ramirez
15:21
US 'stirring up tensions' over Ukraine in a bid to block Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline - Russia
Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has accused the US of stirring up tensions over Ukraine in a bid to block the implementation of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.
The pipeline, which has faced opposition from the US and some European states, was built last September across the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany.
However, it has been idle ever since, pending German and EU regulatory clearance.
It could power 26 million German homes.
There has been a suggestion that it should be included in any sanctions imposed on Russia - though Germany has faced criticism for refusing to confirm this.
Lucas Anderson
Based
Wyatt Taylor
15:57
Stoltenberg: Still no sign of de-escalation from Russia
Jens Stoltenberg, the secretary general of NATO, is addressing a news briefing in Brussels as tensions continue between Russia and Ukraine.
He says NATO allies have welcomed all "diplomatic efforts, and there are signs from Moscow that diplomacy could continue.
"But so far we do not see any sign of de-escalation on the ground. No withdrawals of troops or equipment."
Mr Stoltenberg admits this "may of course change", adding: "However, what we see today is that Russia maintains a massive invasion force ready to attack."
This force, with "high-end capabilities", is in place from Crimea to Belarus, he said.
Leo Cruz
15:59
Stoltenberg: This is the biggest concentration of forces in Europe since the Cold War
Jens Stoltenberg has stressed the scale of the situation near Ukraine, where 150,000 Russian troops are understood to still be gathered.
He said those in NATO have agreed that further Russian aggression against Ukraine would have "a high cost", adding: "We have called out Russia's actions, plans and disinformation."
Mr Stoltenberg said that "at the same time, NATO remains prepared for the dialogue".
"It is not too late for Russia to step back from the brink of conflict and choose the path of peace. NATO has sent concrete written proposals to Russia on transparency, risk reduction and arms control.
"We have yet to receive a response. I reiterate by invitation to Russia to meet again in the NATO-Russia Council."
Ryder Cruz
16:02
Stoltenberg: NATO will not compromise on core principles
Continuing his address, Jens Stoltenberg said NATO refuses to compromise on "core principles" and the right of each nation to choose its own path.
He says all measures taken by NATO are defensive, adding the military alliance is "not a threat to Russia".
"We do not know what will happen in Ukraine," Mr Stoltenberg said. "But the situation has already demonstrated we've faced a crisis in European security.
"Moscow has made it clear that it is prepared to contest the fundamental principles that have underpinned our security for decades, and to do so by using force.
"I regret to say that this is the new normal in Europe."
Jackson Jackson
should I split the thread so that we don't have to use the nonce's one?
Zachary Flores
friendly reminder we need a cull
Brandon Anderson
16:06
Stoltenberg: NATO could form new battlegroups in Europe
Speaking after a meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels today, Jens Stoltenberg says: "Ministers decided to develop options for further strengthening of NATO's deterrence and defence."
Mr Stoltenberg adds that new battlegroups could potentially be formed in central, eastern and south-eastern Europe.
France has offered to lead such a battlegroup in Romania.
He says: "I am confident that when leaders meet in Madrid in June they will reaffirm that Europe and North America must continue to stand strong together in NATO.
"Because NATO is the unique, essential and indispensable transatlantic forum for our defence and security."
Responding to a question from the BBC, Mr Stoltenberg expands on his earlier statement of a "new normal".
He says: "The new normal is that Russia has demonstrated that it really is willing to contest some of the fundamental principles from our security. The right for every nation to choose its own path."
Jace Long
What do the petrol wars start?