In the event of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, NATO could increase its presence on the eastern flank to take measures necessary to protect allies.

Alliance Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said this today at a briefing on the results of the NATO-Russia summit.

" We are constantly assessing the need to adjust the presence of our forces, "

He also noted that after the occupation of Crimea by Russia and the destabilization of the situation in Donbass, NATO strengthened its presence on the eastern flank..

The Alliance has deployed rapid reaction forces in the region and is conducting aerial patrols, he said..

Also read: It was Russia that occupied Crimea and unleashed the war in Donbass. Because it is the Russian Federation that threatens Ukraine, and not vice versa, - Stoltenberg " These are defensive actions, we want to keep the peace, not provoke a conflict. And, accordingly, if Russia again uses force against Ukraine, then we will seriously think about increasing our presence again, "