Stoltenberg: Europe must brace for decade-long Ukraine conflict
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has warned that Europe and NATO must be ready for the possibility of the Ukraine conflict extending for up to ten years.
However, he noted that demonstrating strong and sustained support for Ukraine could expedite the end of the conflict.
"The stronger and longer we support Ukraine, the quicker the conflict will be resolved," Stoltenberg stated, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.
He expressed confidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin might believe he can outlast Ukraine's allies.
Nevertheless, Stoltenberg emphasized that if Europe shows its commitment to aiding Ukraine over the long term, it will create conditions conducive to a resolution where Ukraine emerges as a sovereign and independent state.
Stoltenberg has served as NATO secretary general for ten years and will step down this October. He will be succeeded by former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.