War could take years, but the West must not let up in supporting Ukraine – Stoltenberg

The relevant statement was made by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in an interview with Germany’s Bild, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“Ukrainians are bravely defending themselves against Russian invaders. Although Russia is waging the war in the Donbas with increasing brutality, Ukrainian soldiers are putting up brave resistance. With more modern weapons, the likelihood increases that Ukraine will be able to drive Putin’s troops out of the Donbas,” Stoltenberg said.

Meanwhile, according to Stoltenberg, nobody knows when the war ends. The West must prepare for the fact that it could take years and must not let up in supporting Ukraine.

“Even if the costs are high, not only for military support but also because of rising energy and food prices. But, that is no comparison to the price that Ukrainians have to pay every day with many lives. And if Putin learns from this war that he can simply carry on as he did after the 2008 war in Georgia and the occupation of Crimea in 2014, then we will pay a much higher price,” Stoltenberg stressed.

In his words, NATO will continue to support Ukraine in its self-defense but will not be part of the conflict.

“We are helping the country, but we will not send NATO soldiers to Ukraine,” Stoltenberg explained.

At the same time, NATO strengthened its own defenses, with 40,000 troops under its command, to secure the territory of the alliance on land, at the sea and in the air.

Stoltenberg also noted that the world had become more dangerous. At the NATO summit in Madrid at the end of June, NATO is planning to declare that Russia is no longer a partner, but a threat to security, peace and stability.

Photo: EFE/EPA

mk