There are some profound differences between NATO and Russia on the Ukrainian crisis, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said following the NATO-Russia Council meeting in Brussels on Monday.

The Ukrainian crisis was the first topic discussed at the meeting, Stoltenberg said.

"Today, Allies reiterated their strong support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Allies do not, and will not, recognise Russia's illegal and illegitimate annexation of Crimea," Stoltenberg said in a statement published by the NATO press service.

"The situation in eastern Ukraine also remains of deep concern", while "ceasefire violations have reached record levels in recent months", Stoltenberg said. "Heavy weapons have not been withdrawn. And OSCE monitors have repeatedly become targets [of shelling]," he said.

Stoltenberg also pointed out that the Minsk Agreements that provide a plan for the settlement in eastern Ukraine, must be performed in full by their signatories.

"Allies called on Russia to use its considerable influence on the militants," Stoltenberg also said.