NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has called on Russia to "de-escalate" tensions by removing troops from the Ukraine border. NATO a political and military alliance of 28 countries including Canada has indicated it is not currently debating military actions against Russia but has said it will put forth a collective defence.

NATO was established in April 1949 with the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty, often referred to as the Washington Treaty. The treaty committed the members to ensure collective security under the pillars of individual liberty, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. The map below shows current members of the organization.