NATO Committee Chairman: Alliance 'Will Not Accept' Russia's Crimea Annexation

One of NATO's top military officers has called on Russia to stop its interference in Ukraine, including a withdrawal from Crimea.

NATO chiefs from across the alliance gathered in Brussels to discuss military strategy and the threats posed by Moscow.

Ukraine, a non-NATO member, was also involved in the talks.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, chairman of the NATO military committee, said: "This alliance does not and will not accept Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea.

"We continue to call on Russia to withdraw from Crimea and to cease its support of militants in eastern Ukraine.

"We also call on Russia to release the sailors and ships seized in November last year, near the Sea of Azov."

In November, the Ukrainian navy said six of its seamen were wounded after Russian coast guards opened fire on three Ukrainian ships.

Twenty-three sailors were taken by Russia, according to Ukraine, who described the incident as a "very serious threat".

NATO's eastern members have become increasingly concerned by Russia's intentions after Crimea was annexed in 2014.

NATO has since continued to build up its forces in eastern Europe and just last month, troops exercised in Estonia as part of a message to Russia.

While Russia says it is "provocation", Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach said it is an "effective deterrence" to persuade Russia "the consequence of either cohesion or armed conflict outweighs the potential gains".