Jens Stoltenberg, the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), emphasized the critical need for Western nations to continue supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. In an interview with AFP in Brussels on Monday, Stoltenberg highlighted the challenges of prolonged wars and stressed that there is “no alternative” to backing Ukraine.
“It often happens in wars that when people realize this can last a long time, it becomes very difficult,” Stoltenberg told AFP at NATO headquarters in Brussels. “We have no alternative. The alternative of letting President [Russian Vladimir] Putin win is a tragedy for Ukraine and is dangerous for us,” he added.
Stoltenberg’s remarks come at a time when the continuity of international support for Ukraine is under discussion. The United States has provided over $40 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the Russian invasion, pledging ongoing support for Kiev.
Despite opposition within some governments questioning the future of US aid, Stoltenberg emphasized the importance of persisting in supporting Ukraine. “Despite the difficulties, despite the lack of progress, achievements, or territorial gains, we must continue supporting Ukraine,” he reiterated. Stoltenberg emphasized the responsibility, both as political leaders and as individual citizens, to stand up for Ukraine.
In Stoltenberg’s view, Putin has not achieved his objectives in Ukraine, calling the war a “major strategic mistake and a defeat for Putin.”
Regarding speculation about Ukraine’s potential NATO membership if it agreed to cede some of its occupied territory to Russia, Stoltenberg refused to engage, stating that such speculation could be interpreted as the start of negotiations on behalf of Ukraine.
Stoltenberg, expected to leave his position in 2024 after a decade at the helm of NATO, highlighted successes during his tenure, including the deployment of troops on the alliance’s eastern flank, increased defense spending, and the acceptance of new members. He expressed a desire for Turkey to expedite the ratification process for the delayed NATO membership of Sweden.
In terms of a possible successor, Stoltenberg praised the outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as a “friend and good colleague,” but emphasized that the decision on his successor is not within his purview.