Stoltenberg: Long-term support for Ukraine could shorten Russian war

Outgoing NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has warned that Europe must be prepared for a prolonged war between Russia and Ukraine that could potentially last up to a decade, the BBC reports.

In an interview with the British broadcaster, Stoltenberg stressed that the duration of the war depends on the West’s willingness to support Ukraine.

“Yes,” Stoltenberg responded to a question about whether NATO allies should be prepared for the conflict to last longer than ten years. However, he quickly added: “The paradox is that President Putin now believes he can wait us out. And that’s why the war continues.”

The outgoing NATO chief, whose ten-year term ends in October, stressed the importance of clear communication and sustained support for Ukraine.

“If we communicate very clearly that we are here for the long term and that we will provide sustained support to Ukraine, then we will have created the conditions for a solution in which Ukraine remains a sovereign, independent state,” Stoltenberg told the BBC.

The NATO chief called on European member states to increase their assistance to UkraineHe acknowledged that there were concerns about a possible reduction in US support if Donald Trump wins a second term as president in the November election.

The NATO Secretary General also unveiled plans for a new command unit in Germany, which is expected to be operational in September and will coordinate support for Ukraine.

“This will provide greater predictability, accountability and support, while demonstrating our continued commitment to Ukraine,” he said.

Stoltenberg’s comments come at a time when there are reports that Germany plans to cut its military aid to Ukraine by almost half next year. Despite this, German Finance Minister Christian Lindner assured that Ukraine’s financing would remain secure due to a G7 initiative to raise funds from frozen Russian assets.

Stoltenberg addressed concerns about a possible US withdrawal from NATO and expressed his confidence in continued American support, pointing to “strong, bipartisan support for NATO in the United States, both in Congress and in opinion polls.”

While acknowledging Donald Trump’s earlier criticism of NATO’s European members’ defense spending, the Secretary General pointed out that the situation has changed. NATO estimates that 23 of the 32 member countries will meet or exceed the target of two percent of GDP for defense spending this year.

Stoltenberg, who will step down as NATO Secretary General in October after a decade, concluded by stressing the Alliance’s “historic success in achieving unity despite all differences.”

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