NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warned on Sunday that the war in Ukraine is likely to be prolonged. He also emphasised Ukraine would eventually join NATO, according to Shafaq News.
Stoltenberg gave an interview to the German media group Funke. He described a quick end to the Ukrainian conflict as impossible, since Kyiv continues its counteroffensive against Russia.
Most wars last longer than expected when they start. So, we must prepare ourselves for a long-term war in Ukraine.
The military conflict broke out in February 2022, when Russian troops invaded Ukraine. For the first time in a while, the war returned to Europe. Kyiv launched the counteroffensive last June. However, the operation’s progress has not been as rapid as expected.
Stoltenberg hopes for an early peace, but notes that “Ukraine will disappear” if Zelensky and the Ukrainians stop fighting.
“If President Putin and Russia lay down their weapons, then we get peace.”
Commenting on Ukraine’s desire to join NATO, Stoltenberg said:
There is no doubt that Ukraine will eventually become a member of NATO.
The NATO secretary-general added that Kyiv “came closer to NATO” during the alliance’s summit in July. He stressed the need for security guarantees for Ukraine after the end of the war, otherwise “history could repeat itself.”
During the Vilnius summit, the bloc’s leaders agreed that Ukraine could join NATO if it fulfils certain conditions, including the implementation of reforms to protect democracy and the rule of law.
