Putin has lost Ukraine forever - NATO Secretary-General
Photo: NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg (Getty Images)
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has lost Ukraine forever. Russia will no longer achieve its goals in Ukraine, said NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in an interview with DPA, as quoted by DW.
According to the Secretary-General, the aim of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine was Putin's desire to hinder Ukraine's movement towards NATO and the EU. However, after nearly two years of war, Ukraine is closer to NATO and the EU than ever before.
"Putin has lost Ukraine forever," Stoltenberg declared, adding that it is a significant strategic defeat for Russia.
He also warned against expecting a quick end to the war, despite Russia suffering losses due to the conflict.
"We have no indications that Putin will change his goals and policies. He will continue to try to occupy more territory," emphasized the NATO Secretary-General.
Stoltenberg refrained from commenting on mobilization in Ukraine. He also called for continued assistance to Ukraine.
"The Ukrainians have shown that they are able to defend themselves, to push back, especially when they receive weapons from Germany and many other NATO countries," he said.
The NATO Secretary-General urged allies to increase assistance to Ukraine through changes in existing agreements with third countries.
Ukraine's path to NATO
On September 30, 2022, it became known that Ukraine has applied for accelerated membership in NATO. Ukraine expected to receive an invitation to join NATO during the summer summit in Vilnius, but this did not happen.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg emphasizes that Ukraine cannot join the Alliance until active hostilities cease.
Ukraine has received recommendations from NATO regarding its accession. This occurred after the Ukraine-NATO Council meeting, which took place in Brussels on November 29. The recommendations relate to primary reforms for accession to the Alliance.
