Putin trying to use winter as a weapon — Stoltenberg

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told this to the German media outlet Welt ahead of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers, Ukrinform reports.

Currently, he said, Putin reacts to defeats with "more brutality." With the onset of winter, Moscow began bombing Ukraine's energy system in order to bring the country to its knees.

"Putin is trying to use winter as a weapon. But he will not achieve this success," Stoltenberg said.

He noted that the more military successes Ukraine has, the stronger its position will be in future negotiations.

"We can strengthen Ukraine's position at the negotiating table if we provide military support to the country. The best way to support peace is to support Ukraine," he said.

Stoltenberg added that all partners should support and increase aid to Ukraine. This would help Ukrainians to defend their right to self-defense.

In this context, he emphasized the role of Germany, whose strong support is crucial, because "arms deliveries from Germany save lives." In particular, German air defense systems will help protect homes, schools and hospitals from Russian missiles.

Stoltenberg acknowledged that aid to Ukraine comes at a price in Western societies, as rising food and electricity bills mean hard times for many households in Europe. "But we must remember that the people of Ukraine pay with their blood every day," he said.

Stoltenberg said that if Putin won the war, he and other despots would continue to use violence to achieve their goals. "It could mean more war and more suffering. It would make our world even more dangerous. It is in our own interests for Ukraine to win," he said.

On November 29-30, in Bucharest, the foreign ministers aim to make a decision on even greater support for Ukraine as part of a comprehensive aid package.