Stoltenberg: Moscow has no desire to end war at present, prepared to continue

Western countries must be prepared to provide long-term support to Ukraine as Russia shows no signs of relenting.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told the BBC that military support would ensure the survival of Ukraine as a sovereign country and force Russia to sit down and negotiate an end to the war.

Russia's partial mobilisation programme, ordered in September, showed Moscow had no desire to end the war at present, he said.

"The Ukrainian forces had the momentum for several months, but we also know that Russia has mobilised many more forces, many of them are now training. All that indicates that they are prepared to continue the war and also try to potentially launch a new offensive," NATO Secretary General said.

Though no let up in hostilities looks to be in sight, Stoltenberg said NATO must ensure Ukraine stays in a strong position in the event of negotiation talks between the two sides.

"We need to provide support to Ukraine now, including military support, because that's the only way to convince Russia that they have to sit down and negotiate in good faith and respect Ukraine as a sovereign independent nation in Europe. What we do know is that what Ukraine can achieve around that table is totally dependent on the strength on the battlefield," NATO Secretary General added.

As reported, NATO and the Allies have been providing political, practical and security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian military invasion. The Alliance supplies Ukraine with defensive equipment, fuel, medicines, personal protective equipment, winter clothing, counter-drone systems, etc.

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