Skopje, 1 March 2022 (MIA) – North Macedonia is a NATO ally and a responsible member of the international community. It joined the U.S. and others in condemning the brutal Russian aggression and active war in Ukraine, said U.S. Ambassador to North Macedonia Kate Byrnes. “The condemnation was clearly and unequivocally emphasized, but it also provides support for the people of Ukraine, like we all do, providing the support they need at the moment. But we must make sure that at some point someone will be held accountable for Russia’s action,” Ambassador Byrnes said in an interview with TV21, commenting on the situation in Ukraine. On the other hand, Byrnes added, North Macedonia also works bilaterally with us in NATO, to defend our interests. “We are working in NATO to ensure commitment under Article 5 is firm and we’re ready to defend ourselves against any further action, and we are prepared as an international community to face the long-term consequences of what is happening,” Ambassador Kate Byrnes said, reiterating that this is an illegal and unjustified act by Russia against Ukraine.