---
title: "NATO chief warns of long war in Ukraine"
url: https://moldova1.md/p/15972/nato-chief-warns-of-long-war-in-ukraine
published: 2023-09-17T07:26:01Z
language: en
author: "Carolina Străjescu"
section: "International"
source: moldova1.md
---

# NATO chief warns of long war in Ukraine

> NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg warned in an interview with German media that it will be necessary to "prepare for a long war in Ukraine," according to the Italian news agency Ansa.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg warned in an interview with German media that it will be necessary to *"prepare for a long war in Ukraine,"* according to the Italian news agency Ansa.

![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/7218385e-7a1d-40f3-ac22-9a63ae090d19.jpg)

*"Most wars last longer than expected when they start. Therefore, we must prepare for a long war in Ukraine,"* Stoltenberg said.

The conflict began in February 2022, when Russia sent its forces into Ukraine, bringing war back to Europe for the first time in decades.

*"We all want a quick peace,"* the NATO secretary-general continued, *"but at the same time we must recognize this: if President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Ukrainians stop fighting, their country will no longer exist; if President Vladimir Putin and Russia lay down their arms, we will have peace."*

As for Kiev's desire to join NATO, Stoltenberg assures: *"There is no doubt that Ukraine will join NATO sooner or later."*

*"When this war is over, we will need security guarantees for Ukraine, otherwise history could repeat itself,"* the NATO secretary-general added.

Translation by **Iurie Tataru**