UK Foreign Secretary: Europe and NATO are not seeking conflict with Russia

London, 23 Sep (KUNA) -- British Foreign Secretary David Miliband confirmed on Wednesday that the UK, Europe, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) are not seeking a new conflict with Russia, while reaffirming the steadfast commitment of the United Kingdom and its allies to Ukraine.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stated in a statement that Miliband made these remarks while participating in a meeting on Ukraine on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The statement quoted Miliband as saying that NATO is a "defensive alliance and will remain so," but it will continue to "expose" and act against Russian hostile activities, whatever form they take.

Miliband noted that "this applies to the Russian aggression against Ukraine just as much as it applies to the unacceptable and escalating Russian hybrid threats across Europe," holding Moscow responsible for the escalation, the war, and the current situation facing the region as a whole.

He stated that Russia could choose a different path today by agreeing to a ceasefire and sitting at the negotiating table to begin rebuilding a relationship based on "sovereignty, international law, and the UN Charter."

Milibiband reiterated the steadfast commitment of the United Kingdom and its allies to Ukraine, adding that this commitment "will not waver no matter how long the war lasts." (End)