We had the very serious and direct exchange on the situation in and around Ukraine, and the implications for European security. There are significant differences between NATO allies and Russia on these issues. Our differences will not be easy to bridge, but it is a positive sign that all NATO allies and Russia sat down around the same table and engaged on substantive topics. Allies on their side reaffirmed NATO’s open door policy, and the right for each nation to choose its own security arrangements. Allies made clear that they will not renounce their ability to protect and defend each other. They expressed serious concern about the Russian military buildup in and around Ukraine, and called on Russia to immediately de-escalate the situation and to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbors.