In an interview that was published on Sunday, NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg warns that the Ukraine war will not finish quickly as Kyiv continues its counteroffensive against Russia. In an interview with the German media company Funke, Stoltenberg stated that "most wars last longer than expected when they first begin."
"Therefore we must prepare ourselves for a long war in Ukraine."
"We are all wishing for a quick peace," said Stoltenberg. "But at the same time, we must recognise: if President (Volodymyr) Zelensky and the Ukrainians stop fighting, their country will no longer exist."
"If President (Vladimir) Putin and Russia lay down their weapons, we will have peace."
On Ukraine's strong willingness to join the alliance, Stoltenberg said: "There is no doubt that Ukraine will eventually be in NATO." At a summit of the alliance in July Kyiv had "moved closer to NATO", he said.
"When this war ends, we need security guarantees for Ukraine. Otherwise, history could repeat itself," he added.
Moscow sent its armies into Ukraine in February 2022, sparking the conflict and reintroducing war to Europe for the first time in decades.
In June, Kyiv began its counteroffensive against firmly established Russian strongholds in the south and east, but it has made only little success.
(Photo: John Thys/AFP) (with inputs from agencies)
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