NATO flag during a rally on Independence Square in KievROME, Feb. 4 Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio considers it necessary for NATO to maintain the firmness of the principles of the alliance, but, continuing the dialogue with Moscow, to avoid steps that could contribute to the development of tension, he said in a telephone conversation with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. According to the Italian Foreign Ministry, the main topic of their the conversations were «Italy's contribution to the Atlantic alliance and the latest development of the situation related to tensions on the border between Ukraine and Russia».Hungary blocked Ukraine's participation in the NATO Cyber Center, media reported»Minister Di Maio stressed the need for NATO to remain firm on principles and values while continuing to actively engage in dialogue with Moscow, as well as strengthening coordination with the European Union. In this sense, he expressed appreciation for the political cohesion shown by NATO, emphasizing that the alliance must maintain an effective posture of deterrence and defense while avoiding measures that could exacerbate tensions,» the Italian ministry said in a statement. Russia has repeatedly denied accusations by the West and Ukraine in «aggressive actions», stating that he does not threaten anyone and is not going to attack anyone, and statements about «Russian aggression» are used as an excuse to place more NATO military equipment near Russian borders. The Russian Foreign Ministry noted earlier that Western statements about «Russian aggression» and the possibility of helping Kiev defend itself against it are both ridiculous and dangerous. At the same time, Kiev and Western states have recently expressed concern about the alleged increase in «aggressive actions» by Russia near the borders of Ukraine. Press Secretary of the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Peskov said that Russia is moving troops within its territory and at its own discretion. According to him, this does not threaten anyone and should not bother anyone.
