Further Support For Ukraine in the Interests of NATO - Stoltenberg
Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Alliance Jens Stoltenberg emphasized that support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia's unprovoked war is a direct interest of the Bloc and its allies.
He stated this during an interview with ARD.
"It is necessary to understand that in the event of President Putin's victory in Ukraine, a tragedy awaits us. But even for us, it will be dangerous. So it is in our own interests for Ukraine to stand firm," Stoltenberg noted.
NATO Secretary-General also stressed the exceptional importance of the continued readiness of Western allies to support Ukraine, both in "bad and good times," emphasizing that the course of the war is not a constant but a changing process. The current war is a "war of attrition," as well as a battle for efficiency and logistics.
Responding to questions about the Ukrainian counteroffensive, Stoltenberg noted that the Ukrainian Defense Forces have achieved significant success in counteroffensive actions.
"The Ukrainians were able to inflict significant losses on Russian forces, striking with cruise missiles deep into the enemy's rear, destroying planes and helicopters, and pushing the Russian Black Sea Fleet to the eastern part of the Black Sea. This means they can maintain a maritime corridor, and ships can again transport grain from Ukraine through the Black Sea. These are significant successes, even if the front line has not been shifted," said Jens Stoltenberg.
At the same time, the Secretary-General emphasized the urgent need to increase the production of ammunition and weapons in European countries, adding that currently, allies "cannot cooperate as closely as they should."
It is worth noting that on the eve, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin made a statement emphasizing that the United States, together with partners and allies, is working to help Ukraine "build a future force that can ward off more Russian malice in the years to come."
"The outcome of this struggle will define global security for decades to come," he said. "And we don't have the option of sitting it out. President [Joe] Biden has laid down a clear objective: The United States seeks a free and sovereign Ukraine that can defend itself today — and deter more Russian aggression in the future," emphasized Austin.
Earlier, UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron also called on allies to increase arms production to help Ukraine defeat Russia, noting that currently, the economic power of the North Atlantic Alliance is 30 times greater than Russia's.