NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg was glad that the alliance does not respect Russia's right to a sphere of influence 
Thesis that Russia has its own sphere of interests , is unacceptable and causes caution, since all of the country's neighbors are sovereign states. This was stated by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, TASS reports.
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“We have nowhere to retreat »DPR head Denis Pushilin – on the threat of a big war in Donbass and the protection of Russians in Ukraine 17:26 – 23 November 
The DPR and Ukraine declare mutual shelling and are preparing for war. Why is Russia accused of aggravating the situation in Donbass? “And this is the world we don't want to return to. A world in which large countries could impose restrictions on what sovereign independent nations could do, “the head of the alliance stressed.
Stoltenberg was glad that NATO allies did not respect “Russia's alleged right to establish its own sphere of influence.” He pointed out that this also applies to Ukraine.
“Ukraine is an independent sovereign country with internationally recognized borders, including guaranteed by the Russian Federation. These borders must be respected, including Donbass and Crimea as part of Ukraine, “the secretary general pointed out.
The head of the alliance noted that only NATO will decide who to accept into its ranks and what assistance to provide to states wishing to join the organization … “Russia does not have the right to veto or vote on this issue, and also cannot try to establish its own sphere of interests,” Stoltenberg concluded.
Earlier, the Secretary General named the condition for Ukraine's joining the alliance. According to him, this will happen if all 30 member states support such a decision. Stoltenberg noted that the organization supports Kiev on the path to membership and Euro-Atlantic integration, including through reforms, fighting corruption, strengthening defense and security systems to meet accepted standards.