In lieu of the conference, Stoltenberg spoke in favor of discussing with Moscow measures to strengthen trust, control armament, ensure transparency of drills, and ease the tensions, according to the newspaper.
In an interview with the French Le Journal du Dimanche newspaper, Stoltenberg said that the idea of holding a conference focusing on spheres of influence which would let powerful nations control what their neighbours can and cannot do, is a step back for the alliance. The official added that this direction would be completely wrong.
Russia has repeatedly said that the West is using allegations of "aggressive actions" as a pretext to deploy NATO's military equipment near Russian borders.