NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has once again called on Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine and to stop supporting separatist militants in the country.

Speaking with reporters in Antalya, Turkey, before a meeting of NATO foreign ministers, he said that NATO has called on Russia to stop supporting separatists and withdraw its troops from eastern Ukraine.

Russia bears responsibility for its aggressive actions in Ukraine, the ceasefire must be observed, and it is necessary to withdraw heavy weapons, he said.

At the same time, he said that dialogue with Russia should continue, despite the alliance freezing its cooperation program with Russia.

NATO supports economic sanctions against Russia, but also directs efforts to ensure that political dialogue should continue, Stoltenberg said.