NATO chief says this is the 'most dangerous' moment in European security in a 'generation'

Jens Stoltenberg said thousands of troops have been deployed to Eastern Europe, and many units are in "combat formations."

NATO's secretary general issued a grave warning on Tuesday as Europe braces for a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine. 

"This is the most dangerous moment in European security for a generation," Jens Stoltenberg said at a press conference after President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian troops into eastern Ukraine on Monday. 

But, he said: "Europe and North America continue to stand strong together in NATO, united and committed to defend and protect each other."

Stoltenberg said thousands of troops have been deployed to Eastern Europe, and many units are in "combat formations."

"We urge Russia in the strongest possible terms to choose the path of diplomacy," Stoltenberg added. 

Stoltenberg praised various economic sanctions imposed by a handful of NATO countries, including Germany's decision to halt the pivotal Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. The US has hinted that further action against Russia will come later on Tuesday.

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