NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has cautioned that the war in Ukraine is likely to be protracted, with no swift resolution in sight. In an interview with Germany’s Funke media group, Stoltenberg acknowledged that most wars tend to last longer than initially anticipated, and therefore, preparations should be made for a prolonged conflict in Ukraine.
The conflict in Ukraine began in February 2022 when Russia deployed its forces into the country, marking a significant escalation in tensions in Europe. Ukraine initiated a counteroffensive in June, aiming to push back Russian forces entrenched in the south and east of the country. However, progress in regaining territory has been slow.
Stoltenberg expressed the desire for a swift resolution to the conflict but emphasized the grim reality that if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his country’s forces were to cease fighting, Ukraine’s sovereignty would be at risk. He also stressed that for a lasting peace, it is crucial for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia to lay down their weapons.
Regarding Ukraine’s aspiration to join NATO, Stoltenberg asserted that there is no doubt that Ukraine will eventually become a NATO member. He noted that Ukraine has made progress in aligning itself with NATO, particularly during the alliance’s summit in July. Stoltenberg emphasized the importance of providing security guarantees to Ukraine once the war concludes to prevent history from repeating itself.
During the NATO summit in Vilnius, leaders agreed that Ukraine could join the alliance once specific conditions are met. These conditions typically involve implementing reforms to strengthen democracy and the rule of law in Ukraine.
