Ukraine’s allies must be prepared for a ‘long war’, warns NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg
- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warned that the war is likely to last a long time
Ukraine’s allies must be prepared for a “long war” in the country, NATO chief said.
Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warned that neither side is in a position to lay down their arms and negotiate a peace deal.
Ukraine continues to make slow progress in its counter-offensive to regain lost territory, while Russia yesterday continued talks on military cooperation with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un.
Mr. Stoltenberg said in an interview in Germany: “Most wars last longer than expected when they first start.
“That is why we must prepare for a long war in Ukraine.”
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg holds a joint press conference with the President of Kosovo at Alliance Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on September 7
Mr Stoltenberg and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pose for photographers ahead of a joint press conference on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Vilnius on July 12
He added: “We all wish for a speedy peace. But at the same time we must recognize that if President (Volodymyr) Zelensky and the Ukrainians stop fighting, their country will no longer exist.”
He said there is “no doubt that Ukraine will eventually join NATO after the war,” or “history could repeat itself.”
With winter approaching, both sides will withdraw once the current Ukrainian counter-offensive ends its main thrust.
While some strategic gains have been made in recent months, progress has been slower than Ukraine’s allies had hoped. Yesterday, Russia said it had shot down six Ukrainian drones over the Crimean peninsula and one on the outskirts of Moscow.
Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un completed his six-day visit to Russia yesterday.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (L) shakes hands with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu (R) after receiving a gift during their lunch during a visit to Vladivostok port on September 17
The leader, who was pictured wearing a Russian fur hat, boarded an armored train for his journey home after a red carpet ceremony in the far eastern Primorye region.
His officials said the visit, during which he met Vladimir Putin and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, would help “strengthen strategic and tactical coordination” between the countries.
North Korea could provide ammunition for Moscow’s war against Ukraine in exchange for Russian weapons technology to further its nuclear ambitions.