NATO to Discuss Stronger Response to Crimean Crisis | WPN World People News

NATO foreign ministers meet in Brussels Tuesday to talk about a stronger response to Russia's takeover of Ukraine's Crimea region.

This is the first senior-level NATO gathering since the crisis in Ukraine began last month.

So far, NATO has increased air patrols over the Baltics and the United States is planning more intense military exercises with Poland.

Diplomats say the ministers could decide to step up NATO military exercises or possibly set up permanent bases in Eastern Europe, closer to the Russian border.

Russia pulled back hundreds of troops from its border with Ukraine Monday, but tens of thousands still remain.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has told Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that the Russian forces are creating a "climate of fear" inside Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Ukraine is denouncing Russian Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev's visit to Crimea, calling it a "crude violation" of diplomatic protocol.

Medvedev is leading a delegation of cabinet ministers to look at ways to boost Crimea's struggling economy. He is proposing raises for state workers in Crimea and investment in infrastructure and transportation.

Medvedev toured a hospital in Crimea's largest city, Simferopol, Monday. Reporters say he was greeted by cheering doctors and nurses. He also signed autographs at a school.

Source: Voiceo of America