Stoltenberg: We must create long-term commitments for Ukraine security

After Ukraine's victory in the war unleashed by Russia, democratic nations must prevent such events from repeating, break the circle of Russian aggression, and strengthen Ukraine’s security.

This was stated by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg today in Helsinki during a speech at the Northern Summit of SAMAK (Social Democratic Parties and Trade Union Movements in the Nordic States - ed.), an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

" We do not know when this war will end. But when it does, we must ensure that history does not repeat itself. President Putin cannot continue to chip away at European security. We must break the cycle of Russian aggression. Meaning, we must enable Ukraine to deter and defend against future aggression. We must put in place long-term arrangements for Ukraine’s security. Because Ukraine’s future is in the Euro-Atlantic family," Stoltenberg stressed.

He recalled that today's SAMAK forum is taking place in Helsinki, the city where the foundations for European security were laid. The Helsinki Final Act helped reduce the tension of the "Cold War," opened an opportunity for the development of cooperation and for the observance of the principles of freedom and human rights. Thirty-five countries, from North America and Europe, signed this document, including the USSR. The agreement allowed for the peaceful settlement of disputes, provided for respect for sovereign borders, and obliged participating nations to refrain from the threat or use of force.

"President Putin has now shattered these principles. We may be shocked by the brutality of the war in Ukraine. But we should not be surprised. This is part of a pattern of Russian aggression over many years. In Grozny. In Georgia. In Aleppo. In Crimea and Donbas. And now, a full-fledged invasion of Ukraine," the NATO secretary general said.

He noted that the Western allies had exchanged intelligence about possible Russian aggression several months before it began, and made active diplomatic and political efforts to persuade Russia not to start the war. Despite all calls, Putin chose to attack. A year into this war, according to Stoltenberg's conclusion, Putin is not preparing for peace, he is only bracing for a bigger war.

"I hear concerns that our support increases the risk of escalation. But as long as our biggest neighbor is willing to invade another country, there are no risk-free options. So let there be no doubt, the biggest risk of all is if President Putin wins in Ukraine. If he wins, it will show authoritarian leaders that aggression works. And force is rewarded. That will make the world more dangerous. And us more vulnerable. So supporting Ukraine is not only the morally right thing to do. It is also in our own security interest," Stoltenberg emphasized.

As reported, since Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, NATO and individual allies have been providing assistance to Ukraine in supplying modern weapons and training Ukrainian troops. The Ukraine Defense Contact Froup in the Ramstein format, set up under the auspices of the United States, has already united 54 democracies, including NATO allies, which provide Ukraine with weapons and military equipment in close coordination to help the nation implement its right to self-defense in accordance with the UN Charter.