NATO has ordered military commanders to intensify preparations to defend allied territory putting hundreds of warplanes and ships on alert and at the same time agreeing to increase troop numbers on its eastern flank.

No plans to send troops to Ukraine, NATO will now hold emergency summit on Friday

As tensions continue to mount over Ukraine, Russia is strengthening its troop deployment along Ukraine's borders on the other hand NATO is trying to match Moscow's deployment, stuck in the middle is Ukraine.

Russia strengthens troop deployment along Ukraine's borders, NATO counters Russian deployment

'Coordinated actions announced by the European Union, NATO allies and partners sends a strong message of unity and it demonstrates how alone and isolated Russia is. I will convene a virtual NATO summit tomorrow to address the consequences of Russia's actions,' says Jens Stoltenberg Secretary General of NATO.

Coordinated actions by the EU, NATO sends a strong message of how alone and isolated Russia is: NATO

The&nbsp;chief&nbsp;of the&nbsp;German&nbsp;army&nbsp;vented his frustration over what he sees as the long-running&nbsp;neglect&nbsp;of&nbsp;military&nbsp;readiness in his country in an unusual public rant a few hours after Russia invaded Ukraine, adding that the&nbsp;army&nbsp;was in bad shape.

Russian forces invaded Ukraine by land, air and sea on Thursday, confirming the worst fears of the West with the biggest attack by one state against another in Europe since World War Two.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-tipped-into-second-recession-by-virus-german-federal-bank-455159">Germany tipped into second recession by virus: German Federal Bank</a>

"In my 41th year of peace-time service, I would not have thought that I would have to experience a war," Lieutenant General Alfons Mais said on LinkedIn on Thursday.

"And the Bundeswehr, the&nbsp;army&nbsp;which I have the honour to command, is standing there more or less empty-handed. The options we can offer the government in support of the alliance are extremely limited."

Commentators on LinkedIn praised Mais for his "brutally honest" words, many of them backing his veiled criticism of consecutive&nbsp;German&nbsp;governments that have been blamed for not fulfilling NATO's targets for&nbsp;military&nbsp;spending.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-accuses-russia-of-cold-war-demands-before-security-conference-454250">Germany accuses Russia of 'Cold War demands' before security conference</a>

Germany in January offered to supply 5,000&nbsp;military&nbsp;helmets to Ukraine to help defend against possible invasion - an offer Kyiv mayor and former world champion boxer Vitali Klitschko dismissed as "a joke".

"We have all seen it coming but were not able to get through with our arguments to draw the consequences after (Russia's) annexation of Crimea. This does not feel good. I am fed up with it," Mais said in his post.

NATO territory had so far not come under direct threat, he said, but&nbsp;Germany's partners in Eastern Europe were feeling constantly rising pressure.

"When, if not now, is the moment to put the Afghanistan mission structurally and with regard to our equipment behind us and overhaul our posture?" Mais said. "Otherwise, we will not be able to successfully fulfil our constitutional duty and our obligations in the alliance."

Watch |&nbsp;Germany halts key Nord Stream 2 project amid Russia-Ukraine crisis

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/germany-halts-key-nord-stream-2-project-amid-russia-ukraine-crisis-455643/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

German&nbsp;forces were drastically scaled down after the end of the Cold War, and later trained mainly for missions such as in Afghanistan where the adversary was poorly equipped and not an armed force with the most modern weapons.

A spokesman for the&nbsp;German&nbsp;army&nbsp;declined to elaborate on Mais' criticism.

The chief of the German army vented his frustration over what he sees as the long-running neglect of military readiness in his country in an unusual public rant a few hours after Russia invaded Ukraine, adding that the army was in bad shape.

The chief of the German army vented his frustration over what he sees as the long-running neglect of military readiness in his country in an unusual public rant a few hours after Russia invaded Ukraine, adding that the army was in bad shape. Russian forces invaded Ukraine by land, air and sea on Thursday, confirming the worst fears of the West with the biggest attack by one state against another in Europe since World War Two. Also read | Germany tipped into second recession by virus: German Federal Bank "In my 41th year of peace-time service, I would not have thought that I would have to experience a war," Lieutenant General Alfons Mais said on LinkedIn on Thursday. "And the Bundeswehr, the army which I have the honour to command, is standing there more or less empty-handed. The options we can offer the government in support of the alliance are extremely limited." Commentators on LinkedIn praised Mais for his "brutally honest" words, many of them backing his veiled criticism of consecutive German governments that have been blamed for not fulfilling NATO's targets for military spending. Also read | Germany accuses Russia of 'Cold War demands' before security conference Germany in January offered to supply 5,000 military helmets to Ukraine to help defend against possible invasion - an offer Kyiv mayor and former world champion boxer Vitali Klitschko dismissed as "a joke". "We have all seen it coming but were not able to get through with our arguments to draw the consequences after (Russia's) annexation of Crimea. This does not feel good. I am fed up with it," Mais said in his post. NATO territory had so far not come under direct threat, he said, but Germany's partners in Eastern Europe were feeling constantly rising pressure. "When, if not now, is the moment to put the Afghanistan mission structurally and with regard to our equipment behind us and overhaul our posture?" Mais said. "Otherwise, we will not be able to successfully fulfil our constitutional duty and our obligations in the alliance." Watch | Germany halts key Nord Stream 2 project amid Russia-Ukraine crisis German forces were drastically scaled down after the end of the Cold War, and later trained mainly for missions such as in Afghanistan where the adversary was poorly equipped and not an armed force with the most modern weapons. A spokesman for the German army declined to elaborate on Mais' criticism.

German army chief 'fed up' with neglect of country's military

Sadly, what we have warned against for months has come to pas, despite all calls on Russia to change course and tireless efforts to seek a diplomatic solution peace on our continent has been shattered we now have war in Europe on a scale and of a type we thought belonged to history, says NATO chief.

Our worst fears have come true, says NATO Chief, calls emergency summit | Russia-Ukraine conflict

We bring you all the detailed information on what's happened so far as well as what's coming in this conflict. The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called for urgent NATO leaders meeting over the Ukraine catastrophe.

Boris Johnson calls for urgent NATO meeting amid Russian invasion of Ukraine

NATO Chief said that troops are on higher readiness as tensions mount over the Russian invasion of Ukraine. NATO also called the present situation a 'dangerous moment'.

NATO says troops on higher readiness as tensions mount over the Russian invasion of Ukraine

As tensions mount over the Ukraine crisis and Russia's latest provocations, new Russian troop activity was reported on the border. Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the Minsk agreement does not exist.

Russian President Vladimir Putin asks Ukraine to renounce NATO bid amid heightened tensions

France has asked its citizens to leave Ukraine as tensions rise. France is the latest country to ask its citizens to leave Ukraine. Meanwhile, NATO has relocated its staff from Kyiv to Lviv.

France asks citizens to leave Ukraine, NATO relocates staff from Kyiv to Lviv

The world has its eyes on eastern Europe as fears of a Russian invasion continue to grow for months. Russia has amassed over a hundred thousand troops around Ukraine. Meanwhile, Demonstrators take to the streets against NATO.

Demonstrators take to streets against NATO, demand 'Implement Ukraine-Minsk treaty'

On the Day 2 of the Munich Security Conference, the West urged Russia to de-escalate tensions with Ukraine. The world leaders converge as tensions spike. However, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky questioned NATO's intentions.

Ukraine President Zelensky calls out NATO's 'Open Door' policy at the Munich Security Conference

Western powers should drop their policy of “appeasement” towards Moscow, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told a security forum in Munich on Saturday, as concerns grow over a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The three-day Munich Security Conference (MSC) kicked off in the Bavarian capital on Friday, with a major focus scheduled to be on the Western strategy to counter&nbsp;the Ukraine crisis.

Notably absent were the official representatives from Russia.

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday afternoon, Zelensky warned that the threat of sanctions won’t work if Russia starts bombing Ukraine.

Ukraine has received security guarantees for abandoning the world's third-largest nuclear arsenal. We have no weapons. And no security ... But we have a right –&nbsp;a right to demand a shift from a policy of appeasement to one ensuring security and peace," he said at the gathering in Munich.

Citing continued warnings from the US of imminent Russian aggression, Zelensky said that in order to “really help Ukraine, Western countries do not need to constantly talk only about the dates of a possible invasion.”

“We will defend our land on February 16, March 1, and December 31. We need other dates much more. And everyone understands perfectly well which ones,” he asserted.

He emphasised that the only thing “we want is to have peace.”

The president also called for a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in order to avoid any conflict.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-invading-ukraine-will-invite-bolstered-nato-on-europes-eastern-flank-harris-454615" hreflang="en">Kamala Harris warns Russia of huge financial costs if it invades Ukraine</a>

“I do not know what the Russian president wants. For this reason, I propose that we meet,” he said.

Notably, Zelensky was warned not to travel to Munich over fears that Russia may launch an attack in his absence.

Zelensky also said that he wants a “clear” timeframe for when Ukraine can join the NATO alliance.

Questioning why the EU avoids questions over Ukraine’s membership status, Zelensky asked, “Doesn't Ukraine deserve direct, honest answers?”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ballistic-cruise-missiles-in-exercises-russia-flexes-muscles-as-us-says-moscow-poised-to-strike-454638">Ballistic, cruise missiles in exercises: Russia flexes muscles amid tensions</a>

"This also applies to NATO. We are told the door is open. But for now, no outsiders are allowed in,” he said while addressing world leaders in Munich, Kyiv-based news agency Interfax-Ukraine reported.&nbsp;

Notably, one of the security guarantees proposed by Russia to NATO was not to permit Ukraine to join the alliance.

Russia had asked NATO not to expand any further eastward, claiming the organization's proximity to its borders threaten its national security.

(With inputs from agencies)

Western powers should drop their policy of “appeasement” towards Moscow, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told a security forum in Munich on Saturday, as concerns grow over a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Western powers should drop their policy of “appeasement” towards Moscow, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told a security forum in Munich on Saturday, as concerns grow over a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine. The three-day Munich Security Conference (MSC) kicked off in the Bavarian capital on Friday, with a major focus scheduled to be on the Western strategy to counter the Ukraine crisis. Notably absent were the official representatives from Russia. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday afternoon, Zelensky warned that the threat of sanctions won’t work if Russia starts bombing Ukraine. Ukraine has received security guarantees for abandoning the world's third-largest nuclear arsenal. We have no weapons. And no security ... But we have a right – a right to demand a shift from a policy of appeasement to one ensuring security and peace," he said at the gathering in Munich. Citing continued warnings from the US of imminent Russian aggression, Zelensky said that in order to “really help Ukraine, Western countries do not need to constantly talk only about the dates of a possible invasion.” “We will defend our land on February 16, March 1, and December 31. We need other dates much more. And everyone understands perfectly well which ones,” he asserted. He emphasised that the only thing “we want is to have peace.” The president also called for a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in order to avoid any conflict. Also read | Kamala Harris warns Russia of huge financial costs if it invades Ukraine “I do not know what the Russian president wants. For this reason, I propose that we meet,” he said. Notably, Zelensky was warned not to travel to Munich over fears that Russia may launch an attack in his absence. Zelensky also said that he wants a “clear” timeframe for when Ukraine can join the NATO alliance. Questioning why the EU avoids questions over Ukraine’s membership status, Zelensky asked, “Doesn't Ukraine deserve direct, honest answers?” Also read | Ballistic, cruise missiles in exercises: Russia flexes muscles amid tensions "This also applies to NATO. We are told the door is open. But for now, no outsiders are allowed in,” he said while addressing world leaders in Munich, Kyiv-based news agency Interfax-Ukraine reported. Notably, one of the security guarantees proposed by Russia to NATO was not to permit Ukraine to join the alliance. Russia had asked NATO not to expand any further eastward, claiming the organization's proximity to its borders threaten its national security. (With inputs from agencies)

West must drop ‘appeasement policy’ towards Russia: Ukraine President Zelensky

US President said he is convinced that Russia will invade Ukraine in the coming two days, as per reports. The comments by US President came after he spoke to NATO allies.

Joe Biden convinced that Russia has decided to invade Ukraine

On the Day 2 of the Munich Security Conference, the West urged Russia to de-escalate tensions with Ukraine. The world leaders converge as tensions spike.

Day 2 of Munich Security Conference: West urges Russia to de-escalate tensions with Ukraine

After Russia threatened military actions if its security demands were not met, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine's NATO bid process is stalled.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: Our NATO bid process is stalled

Moscow still has the ability to launch a major attack, says the US as Russia pulls back troops announcing that its military drills in Crimea are over. Earlier, the West had warned of a Russian invasion into Ukraine on February 16. WION brings you more insights.

US and NATO unimpressed with Russia's troop pullback claim

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin held a press conference in Brussels, as he discussed ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine with NATO partners.

Ukraine's sovereignty is our priority, says US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin

Jens Stoltenberg held a press conference in Brussels following a two-day meeting between NATO Defence Ministers. The meeting took place amid tensions on the border between Ukraine and Russia.

Russia's demands go against Ukraine's sovereignty, says NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said that the alliance is looking to step up efforts to strengthen its eastern flank, warning that the threat from Russia has become the "new normal in Europe."

NATO to strengthen its eastern flank over alleged Russian threat

For weeks after hearing about Russian troop deployment, more and more troops gathering near Ukraine's borders but now Moscow has announced that some troops are returning back to the base which could be a sign of de-escalation, more in our next report.

Russia begins partial troop pullback from Ukraine border; NATO urges caution

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that the alliance is willing to sit down with Russia for talks on how to find a diplomatic way forward as tensions mount over a feared invasion of Ukraine.

Ready to engage in good faith with Russia, says NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg

Several European leaders continued to maintain caution as Russia announced that it is withdrawing some of its troops from the Ukrainian border.

United Kingdon Prime Minister Boris Johnson welcomed the announcement saying that talks between Russia and Western powers have shown “signs of a diplomatic opening” to avert a conflict.

But he said that Russia was “sending mixed signals” on the de-escalation process, as he claimed to have intelligence reports that Russian forces were “being brought closer to the border” with Ukraine.

Intelligence suggests Russia is also constructing field hospitals near the border, he added, in what could only be interpreted as “as preparation for an invasion”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-pulls-back-some-troops-from-ukraine-border-kyiv-says-we-will-see-then-believe-453452" hreflang="en">Russia pulls back some troops from Ukraine border</a>

Germany’s foreign minister Annalena Baerbock said that Russia must back the announcements with “action”.

"Every real step of de-escalation would be a reason for hope. For now, there are only announcements, and these must now be followed by action," she said at a press conference following talks with her Spanish counterpart in Madrid.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-nationals-including-students-should-leave-ukraine-says-government-advisory-453383" hreflang="en">Indians including students may consider leaving Ukraine, says govt advisory</a>

NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg said Russia’s announcement of a troop withdrawal gives grounds for optimism, but the alliance has yet to see real de-escalation.

“This gives the grounds for cautious optimism, but so far we have not seen any sign of de-escalation on the ground,” Stoltenberg briefed reporters ahead of a meeting of NATO defence ministers on Wednesday.

“So far, we have not seen any de-escalation on the ground, not seen any signs of reduced Russian military presence on the borders of Ukraine, but we will continue to monitor,” he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Several European leaders continued to maintain caution as Russia announced that it is withdrawing some of its troops from the Ukrainian border. United Kingdon Prime Minister Boris Johnson welcomed the announcement saying that talks between Russia and Western powers have shown “signs of a diplomatic opening” to avert a conflict.

Several European leaders continued to maintain caution as Russia announced that it is withdrawing some of its troops from the Ukrainian border. United Kingdon Prime Minister Boris Johnson welcomed the announcement saying that talks between Russia and Western powers have shown “signs of a diplomatic opening” to avert a conflict. But he said that Russia was “sending mixed signals” on the de-escalation process, as he claimed to have intelligence reports that Russian forces were “being brought closer to the border” with Ukraine. Intelligence suggests Russia is also constructing field hospitals near the border, he added, in what could only be interpreted as “as preparation for an invasion”. Also read | Russia pulls back some troops from Ukraine border Germany’s foreign minister Annalena Baerbock said that Russia must back the announcements with “action”. "Every real step of de-escalation would be a reason for hope. For now, there are only announcements, and these must now be followed by action," she said at a press conference following talks with her Spanish counterpart in Madrid. Also read | Indians including students may consider leaving Ukraine, says govt advisory NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg said Russia’s announcement of a troop withdrawal gives grounds for optimism, but the alliance has yet to see real de-escalation. “This gives the grounds for cautious optimism, but so far we have not seen any sign of de-escalation on the ground,” Stoltenberg briefed reporters ahead of a meeting of NATO defence ministers on Wednesday. “So far, we have not seen any de-escalation on the ground, not seen any signs of reduced Russian military presence on the borders of Ukraine, but we will continue to monitor,” he said. (With inputs from agencies)

'Cautious optimism': Europe wary of Russia’s drawdown from Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Monday indicated, but in an indirect way, that Ukraine would continue to pursue its goal of seeking membership of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). Russia is fiercely against Ukraine's (former Soviet country) inclusion in NATO. Zelenskiy was speaking in a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Ukrainian capital Kyiv.

Ukraine's envoy to Britain had suggested Kyiv may reconsider its NATO bid but later backtracked while acknowledging concessions could be on offer amid Western warnings of a potentially imminent Russian invasion.

Russia, which continues to maintain a militaery presence of more than 100,000 troops near Ukraine has sought guarantees from the West that Ukraine would never join NATO.

"Today, many journalists and many leaders are hinting a little to Ukraine that it is possible not to take risks, not to constantly raise the issue of future membership in the alliance, because these risks are associated with the reaction of the Russian Federation," said Zelenskiy at a joint news conference with Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Kyiv.

"I believe that we should move along the path we have chosen."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-climbdown-lavrov-tells-putin-about-chance-of-agreement-with-west-453248">Russian climbdown? Lavrov tells Putin about 'chance' of agreement with West</a>

Olaf Scholz is in Ukraine as part of hurried diplomatic efforts to avoid war on European soil. On Tuesday (February 15) he will fly to Moscow for talks with the Russian side.

Scholz said it was strange Russia should raise this issue anyhow given it was not immediately on the agenda.

'BY YOUR SIDE'

He told reporters he saw "no reasonable justification" for Russia's border buildup, and that Moscow should accept offers to discuss European security.

Scholz's trip was part of a flurry of diplomacy to de-escalate the crisis through dialogue and the threat of sanctions. On Tuesday, Scholz will fly to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-crisis-eu-preparing-but-unsure-about-russias-next-move-453236">Ukraine crisis: EU preparing but unsure about Russia's next move&nbsp;</a>

The chancellor has ratcheted up engagement in the Ukraine crisis over the past week after critics accused him of lack of leadership and mixed signals in one of Europe's worst security crises in decades.

"Germany stands right by your side," he said on Monday, underscoring that the country was Ukraine's biggest financial backer and announcing a new credit of 150 million euros ($170 million).

Ukrainian officials have publicly criticized Germany for refusing to sell weapons to Kyiv - Berlin argues it cannot due to its bloody 20th century history - and over reluctance to pull the plug on a controversial Russian-German gas pipeline project.

Ukraine as well as Western allies argue the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which is built but not yet operational, would enable Russia to cut Ukraine out of Europe's energy supply and make it more vulnerable to Russian invasion.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Monday indicated, but in an indirect way, that Ukraine would continue to pursue its goal of seeking membership of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Monday indicated, but in an indirect way, that Ukraine would continue to pursue its goal of seeking membership of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). Russia is fiercely against Ukraine's (former Soviet country) inclusion in NATO. Zelenskiy was speaking in a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Ukrainian capital Kyiv. Ukraine's envoy to Britain had suggested Kyiv may reconsider its NATO bid but later backtracked while acknowledging concessions could be on offer amid Western warnings of a potentially imminent Russian invasion. Russia, which continues to maintain a militaery presence of more than 100,000 troops near Ukraine has sought guarantees from the West that Ukraine would never join NATO. "Today, many journalists and many leaders are hinting a little to Ukraine that it is possible not to take risks, not to constantly raise the issue of future membership in the alliance, because these risks are associated with the reaction of the Russian Federation," said Zelenskiy at a joint news conference with Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Kyiv. "I believe that we should move along the path we have chosen." Also Read | Russian climbdown? Lavrov tells Putin about 'chance' of agreement with West Olaf Scholz is in Ukraine as part of hurried diplomatic efforts to avoid war on European soil. On Tuesday (February 15) he will fly to Moscow for talks with the Russian side. Scholz said it was strange Russia should raise this issue anyhow given it was not immediately on the agenda. 'BY YOUR SIDE' He told reporters he saw "no reasonable justification" for Russia's border buildup, and that Moscow should accept offers to discuss European security. Scholz's trip was part of a flurry of diplomacy to de-escalate the crisis through dialogue and the threat of sanctions. On Tuesday, Scholz will fly to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. Also Read | Ukraine crisis: EU preparing but unsure about Russia's next move The chancellor has ratcheted up engagement in the Ukraine crisis over the past week after critics accused him of lack of leadership and mixed signals in one of Europe's worst security crises in decades. "Germany stands right by your side," he said on Monday, underscoring that the country was Ukraine's biggest financial backer and announcing a new credit of 150 million euros ($170 million). Ukrainian officials have publicly criticized Germany for refusing to sell weapons to Kyiv - Berlin argues it cannot due to its bloody 20th century history - and over reluctance to pull the plug on a controversial Russian-German gas pipeline project. Ukraine as well as Western allies argue the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which is built but not yet operational, would enable Russia to cut Ukraine out of Europe's energy supply and make it more vulnerable to Russian invasion. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine will continue pursuing NATO membership goal, says Zelenskiy 

United States has once again reiterated its warning that Russia could invade Ukraine at any moment. In the latest, Ukraine has called for a meeting with Russia other signatories to the Vienna Document signatories within 48 hours to address and discuss the current situation.

Ukraine calls for a meeting with Russia within 48 hours as tensions mount

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