BRUSSELS, February 27. /ITAR-TASS/. German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen expressed concern on Thursday over growing tensions in Ukraine’s Crimea.

At NATO defense ministers’ session, she noted the need to avoid Ukraine from splitting with a full observance of the rights of national minorities.

Earlier, she said Russia must be involved in the process of settlement of the situation in Ukraine. “There will be no solution without Russia,” she said. The defense minister spoke of a need for joint search for the settlement of the situation with participation of Russia, and with participation of NATO and Europe, mentioning the Russia-NATO Council as a possible platform for consultations.