Putin's nuclear talk shouldn't stop NATO backing Ukraine Stoltenberg says

NATO's outgoing chief, Jens Stoltenberg, emphasized that Vladimir Putin's recent "reckless nuclear rhetoric" should not deter member nations from providing increased military support to Ukraine.

In an interview, Stoltenberg responded to Putin's assertion that Russia might use nuclear weapons if it faced conventional missile strikes, claiming that any attack supported by a nuclear power would be viewed as a joint assault, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Stoltenberg noted a consistent pattern in Russia's nuclear threats aimed at dissuading NATO from bolstering Ukraine's military capabilities, which have included tanks and long-range weaponry. He insisted that NATO has not observed any changes in Russia's nuclear posture that would necessitate a shift in its own strategy.

He warned that a Russian victory in Ukraine would embolden Putin and leave NATO members more vulnerable. According to Stoltenberg, "In a war, there are no risk-free options." While the US has hesitated to allow Ukraine to target deep inside Russia with long-range missiles due to concerns about escalating tensions, Stoltenberg argued that such strikes could be beneficial in the broader effort to assist Ukraine.

He stressed that any future peace negotiations must include security guarantees for Ukraine, particularly from the US, to ensure that Russia respects the agreed-upon borders. Stoltenberg concluded that demonstrating the high costs of continued aggression may compel Putin to recognize Ukraine's sovereignty.

By Vafa Guliyeva