Jens Stoltenberg
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg cautioned that the Ukraine war will not be over soon, as Kyiv continues its counteroffensive against Russia.
Jens Stoltenberg stated, “Most wars last longer than expected when they first begin”.
He went on to say, “Therefore we must prepare ourselves for a long war in Ukraine”.
The crisis began in February 2022, when Moscow pushed troops into Ukraine, ushering in war for the first time in decades.
Kyiv started a counteroffensive in June, pushing back against entrenched Russian positions in the south and east, but it has made only modest progress.
“We are all wishing for a quick peace”, Stoltenberg remarked.
“But at the same time, we must recognize: if President (Volodymyr) Zelensky and the Ukrainians stop fighting, their country will no longer exist”, Stoltenberg continued.
“If President (Vladimir) Putin and Russia lay down their weapons, we will have peace”, Stoltenberg added.
Stoltenberg said of Ukraine’s ambitions to join NATO, “There is no doubt that Ukraine will eventually be in NATO”.
He claimed that Kyiv moved closer to NATO at the alliance’s July meeting.
Stoltenberg further stated, “When this war ends, we need security guarantees for Ukraine. Otherwise, history could repeat itself”.
NATO leaders agreed in Vilnius in July that Ukraine might join the alliance if certain conditions were satisfied, and US and German officials made it clear that these would involve Kyiv implementing changes to defend democracy and the rule of law.
Also read: Brazilian Police Shoot A 3-Year-Old Girl During A Traffic Stop, Killing Her
