2023-09-17 00:05:00
Stoltenberg: They are preparing for a long-term war in Ukraine
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg (archive from AFP)
Al Arabiya.net – Agencies
Published on: September 17, 2023: 04:05 AM GST Last updated: September 17, 2023: 06:05 AM GST
At a time when Kiev continues to launch its counterattack once morest Russia, the Secretary General of NATO has ruled out Jens Stoltenberg In an interview published Sunday, there would be a quick end to the Ukrainian war.
Stoltenberg said in an interview with the German “Funke” media group, “Most wars last longer than expected when they first start,” warning: “Therefore, we must prepare ourselves for a long-term war in Ukraine,” according to Agence France-Presse.
He also added: “We all hope to achieve a quick peace,” adding: “But at the same time we must realize: If President Zelensky and the Ukrainians stop fighting, Ukraine will cease to exist.” He continued: “But if President Putin and Russia lay down arms, then we will have peace.”
Joining NATO
Regarding Ukraine’s ambitions to join the alliance, Stoltenberg pointed out that “there is no doubt that Ukraine will eventually become a member of the alliance.” NATO“, stressing that Kiev “came closer to NATO” during the alliance’s summit in July.
He also stressed that “when this war ends, we will need security guarantees for Ukraine, otherwise history may repeat itself.”
For the first time in decades
It is noteworthy that the military conflict that began in February 2022 brought war back to Europe for the first time in decades.
Last June, Kiev launched a counterattack on the positions controlled by Russia in the south and east of the country, but the progress it achieved was limited.
It is noteworthy that the leaders of NATO countries agreed during the July summit hosted by Vilnius on the possibility of Ukraine joining once it fulfills certain conditions, which include, according to officials from the United States and Germany, Kiev implementing reforms to protect democracy and the rule of law.
Read also
1694917707
#Prepare #long #war #Ukraine
