Decades-long confrontation with Russia predicted by NATO chief
Photo: NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg (Getty Images)
NATO must prepare for a confrontation with Russia that could last for decades. Allies need to boost their defense industry, states NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
"NATO is not seeking war with Russia. But we must prepare for a confrontation that could last for decades," he said.
The Alliance's Secretary-General believes that if the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin wins in Ukraine, there is no guarantee that Russian aggression will not spread to other countries.
"Deterrence works only if it is credible," Stoltenberg noted.
He called on NATO allies to increase arms production and the number of orders for defense companies in Europe, as arms manufacturers in market economies need signed contracts to ramp up production.
"This means transitioning from slow production in peacetime to rapid production as needed during conflict," the Secretary-General emphasized.
NATO's Secretary-General warned that Putin is preparing his country's economy for a prolonged war.
Ukraine's path to NATO
Recall that on September 30, 2022, it became known that Ukraine submitted an application for NATO membership under an accelerated procedure. Ukraine expected to receive an invitation to join NATO at the summer summit in Vilnius, but this did not happen.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg emphasizes that Ukraine cannot join the Alliance until active combat operations cease.
Ukraine received recommendations from NATO regarding its accession. This happened following the Ukraine-NATO Council, the meeting of which took place in Brussels on November 29. The recommendations concern primary reforms for joining the Alliance.
