NATO Calls on Allies To Support Ukraine for the 'Long Journey'Ahead
Stoltenberg Warns of Russia's 'Extensive' Planning
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November 10, 2023
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has called on Ukraine's allies to provide continuous military support to Kyiv in its ongoing war against Russia's aggression, warning of a "long journey" ahead in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
Stoltenberg emphasized the importance of equipping Ukrainian forces with the necessary weapons to ensure their strength on the battlefield and at the negotiating table.
"We have to keep giving the Ukrainians the weapons they need to stay strong on the battlefield today so they can be strong at the negotiating table tomorrow," Stoltenberg stated after holding talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin.
Acknowledging the significance of international contributions, Stoltenberg stressed that such support not only helps Ukraine defend its freedom but also ensures the safety of Europe as a whole.
However, the NATO Secretary-General also cautioned that achieving the desired goals may take a considerable amount of time.
"We have to be ready for the long term. Wars are, by their very nature, unpredictable. What happens at the negotiating table is inextricably linked to the situation on the battlefield," Stoltenberg explained in an interview with the German news agency DPA.
Since the start of Russia's unprovoked invasion in February last year, Ukraine has been working to regain lost territories through a counteroffensive supported by military supplies from its allies.
Despite these efforts, the counteroffensive has progressed slower than anticipated, raising concerns of "war fatigue" among Kyiv's Western allies, particularly the United States, which is Ukraine's primary provider of military and financial aid.
Stoltenberg acknowledged that the challenging nature of the conflict was evident from the beginning due to Russia's ample time for preparation.
"We knew that Russia has prepared extensively," Stoltenberg stated.
As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, NATO remains committed to providing assistance to its ally. Stoltenberg's call for sustained military support underscores the need for collective efforts to confront Russia's aggression and secure a peaceful resolution.