NATO chief Stoltenberg reaffirms importance of ‘peace’ in Ukraine conflict – Firstpost

As the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary and hold a three-day summit in Washington, the bloc’s Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed concerns about the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. Previewing the summit at a press conference on Sunday, Stoltenberg said all NATO members wanted peace.

He stressed that the war could easily be ended, but peace could only be achieved if Russian President Vladimir Putin understood that he could not win on the battlefield.

“The quickest way to end this war is to lose it,” the NATO chief stressed. “But that will not bring peace. It will bring occupation,” he added. While speaking about the war, Stoltenberg outlined the main measures NATO will take as the conflict rages on. These measures include establishing a command center in Germany, increasing financial and military assistance to Ukraine, and establishing bilateral security arrangements. Voice of America reported.

After laying out the initiatives, Stoltenberg also acknowledged the complexities involved in Ukraine’s possible membership in the alliance and the bloc’s common front against Russia. In April this year, Stoltenberg indicated that the alliance did not intend to offer Ukraine NATO membership during the summit, but rather to offer the war-torn country a “bridge” to membership.

Hungary does not want to block NATO plans despite proximity to Russia

After Hungarian President Viktor Orban’s visit to Russia caused concern in the West, Stoltenberg made it clear that the European country would not block any possible NATO decision.

In his conversation with the press, the NATO chief reported on his recent visit to Budapest, where he reached an agreement with Orban ensuring that Hungary will not block the proposed support measures for Ukraine.

It is important to note that Budapest has made it clear that it will not participate in the new NATO Security Assistance Command for Ukraine, but will comply with its other NATO commitments. Hungary has also made it clear that it will continue to contribute to the joint NATO budget.

Stoltenberg stressed that NATO must act as a united front in developing new defence strategies and stressed that there must be unity despite different perspectives.

Stoltenberg on the impact of the US elections on NATO

The NATO chief also mentioned that the United States would continue to be a loyal NATO ally regardless of the outcome of the 2024 US presidential election. He backed up his argument with former President Donald Trump’s previous criticism, stressing that his displeasure was primarily due to defense spending issues rather than NATO itself.

He compared NATO to a big family where arguments and disagreements arise from time to time. Recalling his experience of working with former Presidents Barack Obama, Trump and current President Joe Biden, Stoltenberg noted that despite differences in political leadership, the United States has remained a passionate ally of NATO.

With inputs from agencies.

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