Stoltenberg: More weapons for Ukraine increases chances of war ending
Photo: Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The likelihood of achieving peace between Ukraine and Russia is directly dependent on increasing the supply of weapons to Ukrainian defenders. This will make Russian President Vladimir Putin realize that he cannot obtain what he wants by force, stated NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in his farewell speech.
Stoltenberg noted that military strength is a necessary condition for dialogue, as it only works when supported by a strong defense.
According to the Secretary General, the quickest way to end the war in Ukraine is to lose it. But in that case, it would not be peace, but rather occupation. Meanwhile, Putin believes he will achieve his goals in the war and "wait out" the West. Therefore, he continues to wage the war.
"I do not believe that we can change Putin’s mind. But I do believe that we can change his calculus. By giving Ukraine more weapons, we can make Putin realize he cannot get what he wants by force... The paradox is that the more weapons for Ukraine we are able to deliver, the more likely it is that we can reach a peace and end to the war," Stoltenberg said.
He clarified that the more reliable NATO's long-term support for Ukraine is, the sooner the war may end.
Stoltenberg also added that any future peace agreement must be backed by strong military support for Ukraine and solid security guarantees to ensure a lasting peace.
"There can be no sustained security in Europe, without a stable Ukraine. And no lasting security for Ukraine, without NATO membership. NATO’s door is open.
Ukraine will join," he summarized.
Background
Earlier, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg proposed that member countries commit to providing Ukraine with at least €40 billion annually for military assistance.
NATO decided to "transform" this idea—members have promised to allocate €40 billion, but only for the coming year.
Additionally, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on September 18 that some NATO countries which had promised to deliver Patriot air defense systems and other equipment have yet to fulfill these commitments several months later.
