NATO holds 'extraordinary' Ukraine commission meeting
The commission was set up in 1997 when former Soviet state Ukraine became a partner of NATO.
BRUSSELS (AFP) - NATO said it will hold an "extraordinary" meeting of the alliance s Ukraine Commission later Monday, after an upsurge in fighting between pro-Russian rebels and Kiev left dozens of people dead.
Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg will separately meet with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini Monday as the deepening crisis put pressure on Brussels to tighten sanctions against Russia.
"At the request of Ukraine, there will be an extraordinary meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission at ambassadorial level this afternoon... in view of the situation in eastern Ukraine," a NATO official said.
The commission was set up in 1997 when former Soviet state Ukraine became a partner of NATO in a policy switch which Moscow has never forgiven. It provides a forum for the 28 alliance members and Ukraine to discuss issues of mutual concern.
Over the weekend, NATO s Stoltenberg urged Russia to "stop destabilising Ukraine and respect its international commitments."
"Fighting in eastern Ukraine has sharply escalated with indications of a large-scale offensive by Russian-backed separatists," he said.
Mogherini s meeting with Stoltenberg at NATO headquarters in Brussels was a further indication of the seriousness of the crisis.
Sanctions have been hugely divisive for the European Union, with several member states reluctant to go too far for fear of damaging important trade and political ties with Moscow.
Mogherini found herself in hot water last week after suggesting the EU should take a softer stance with Russia, sparking a sharp response from those who believe only a tough, uncompromising line will get Moscow to change its mind.
