NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg strongly condemned Russia's "reckless and unprovoked attack" on Ukraine and said NATO allies would meet to tackle the consequences of Moscow's "aggressive actions". In a statement early on Thursday, Stoltenberg said, "Once again, despite our repeated warnings and tireless efforts to engage in diplomacy, Russia has chosen the path of aggression against a sovereign and independent country." He urged Russia to cease its military action immediately and respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.