At a time when Kiev continues to launch its counterattack against Russia, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg ruled out in an interview published on Sunday that 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 NATO,” stressing that Kiev “came closer to NATO” during the NATO 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 that Ukraine could join once it met certain conditions, which, according to officials from the United States and Germany, include Kiev implementing reforms to protect democracy and the rule of law.
