NATO’s Secretary-General, Jens Stoltenberg, announced on Thursday that the alliance “will support Ukraine until it prevails in the war” against Russia.
At a press conference held in Norway, Stoltenberg stated, “NATO has not observed any change in Russian nuclear forces that would prompt a NATO response.” He added, “We have not noticed any shifts that compel us to alter our troop deployments or their arrangements so far.”
Directly addressing Russian President, Vladimir Putin, Stoltenberg conveyed that he “underestimates the alliance,” according to Reuters.
When asked about the Ukrainian counter-offensive, Stoltenberg noted, “The Ukrainians are making progress, but there remains significant uncertainty.”
Ukraine launched its counter-offensive in June, aiming to reclaim territories occupied by Russia in the eastern part of the country. However, they have only achieved modest advancements, facing fierce resistance from Russian forces on the frontline.
Stoltenberg acknowledged that “The military alliance is constantly deliberating on how to end the conflict in Ukraine and the path towards peace.” Nevertheless, he emphasized, “It is up to the Ukrainians to define the terms of peace, and NATO’s role is to support them.” The NATO Secretary-General also mentioned the “extensive support” displayed by the US Congress “from both parties.”
Over the past year and a half, NATO countries, led by the United States, have provided Ukraine with large quantities of weapons and economic aid to counteract the Russian invasion of the former Soviet republic.
However, Ukraine desires more; it seeks membership in NATO and the maximum security assurance that comes with the collective defense system backed by nuclear weapons.
In May 2023, Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, recognized that such a step is “impossible” before the conflict concludes. However, he has called for a “clear signal” to join the alliance afterward.
