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.
"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
