Outcome of war in Ukraine will shape global security for decades to come - Stoltenberg
Stoltenberg said this on the first day of the NATO summit in Washington, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.
"Russia's war against Ukraine is the biggest security crisis in generations," he said.
He added that Ukraine had shown remarkable courage and NATO Allies had provided unprecedented support.
"But let's be honest. Not even our support to Ukraine has been a given. It is not straightforward. Because our support comes with costs and risks," Stoltenberg said.
In this regard, he said that the biggest cost and the greatest risk would be if Russia won in Ukraine.
"We cannot let that happen," Stoltenberg said.
According to him, it would embolden not only Putin but also other authoritarian leaders in Iran, North Korea, and China who "all support Russia's brutal war" and "all want NATO to fail."
"The outcome of this war will shape global security for decades to come. The time to stand for freedom and democracy is now. The place is Ukraine," Stoltenberg said.
Earlier reports said that NATO countries had announced the transfer to Ukraine of five strategic Patriot and SAMP-T air defense systems, as well as dozens of other tactical air defense systems.
Photo: nato.int
