Stoltenberg on deadlock in Ukraine's war: 'Situation on battlefield is 'extremely difficult'
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg (Photo: Getty Images)
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg called the battlefield situation in Ukraine very difficult. The front line has not changed much since the beginning of the Ukrainian counteroffensive, but Russian forces are experiencing significant losses in both personnel and equipment, according to Jens Stoltenberg's statement during a press conference.
Stoltenberg, responding to a question about the situation on the front line in Ukraine and what the Alliance is ready to do to get out of the "deadlock," said that the situation is very difficult.
"We see intense fighting. This is an extremely difficult situation along the front line, especially in the East. We see high casualty numbers. The most intense fighting that we have seen has actually taken place in the last weeks and a couple of months. This happens at the same time as the frontline has not shifted in a significant way. So, I think we need to distinguish between the fact that the frontlines are not moving so much and the fact that actually there is very heavy fighting going on," NATO Secretary General noted.
He added that the Alliance and partner countries are "really impressed by the bravery and competence of the Ukrainian Forces and their ability to strike behind the Russian lines deep into Russian-controlled territory."
"Of course, military achievements can partly be measured in square meters. But also on the losses you are able to inflict on your adversary.
The front line has not moved so much. Ukrainians have been able to inflict heavy losses on the Russian invaders, both measured in personnel and casualties but also in taking out fighting capabilities, so these are significant gains and also push back the Russian Black Sea Fleet. So this remains important military gain," Stoltenberg emphasized.
Evaluation of the Zaluzhnyi situation on the front and statements about the deadlock
Last week, an article by Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, appeared in The Economist. According to him, the situation on the front could have reached a deadlock, and now neither side can advance since they are equally technologically equipped. The general noted that the war was entering a new "positional" stage characterized by exhausting battles.
As Politico pointed out, Valerii Zaluzhnyi's article ignited "party's passions" in the U.S. Congress, and the White House emphasized the importance of continuing support for Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also reacted to Zaluzhnyi's article. The head of state emphasized that the situation on the front is not at an impasse. He also later added that Ukraine is considering the possibility of changing its strategy in the war with Russia.
