When it comes to arms deliveries to Ukraine, the danger of a third world war is often argued. NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg has a clear opinion on this issue: in the Russian war of aggression, military support is the quickest way to peace.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has called on Germany and the other alliance states to continue supplying arms to Ukraine. "It may sound paradoxical, but military support for Ukraine is the fastest way to peace," said the Norwegian.
The background is that Russian President Vladimir Putin must be convinced that he will not achieve his goal of taking control of Ukraine. Then there could be a peaceful negotiated solution that would ensure Ukraine's survival as an independent democratic state. Stoltenberg also made it clear that he considers the recent Ukrainian attacks on military targets in Russia to be perfectly legitimate. "Every country has the right to defend itself. Ukraine too," he said.
Russia invaded neighboring Ukraine more than ten months ago. The context of the Ukrainian attacks also needs to be seen: Massive Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure aimed at depriving Ukrainian civilians of water, heating and electricity in winter. "President Putin is trying to turn winter into a weapon against civilians. This is not an attack on military targets with civilian casualties. This is a massive attack on civilians because millions of Ukrainians are being deprived of these basic services," said the Norwegian.
With the statements, Stoltenberg followed up on the fact that Ukraine had recently targeted the Russian Engels military airfield, among other things. Strategic bombers are stationed on it, and Russia uses their cruise missiles to destroy Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Three Russian soldiers were killed in attacks carried out with drones on December 26th.
When asked whether, in his view, it would also be responsible to provide Ukraine with medium-range missiles, Stoltenberg said that there was a constant dialogue between allies and with Ukraine on specific systems. He also pointed out that NATO allies had previously supplied Ukraine with long-range weapon systems, such as HIMARS missile launchers, long-range artillery and drones. "We support Ukraine's right to self-defense," said Stoltenberg. "It's a right enshrined in the United Nations Charter."
Regarding the discussion about the delivery of German main battle tanks and Patriot systems to Ukraine, Stoltenberg said there were good consultations on these issues in NATO and in the US-led Ramstein format. "Of course I urge the allies to do more," he added. "It is in all of our security interests to ensure that Ukraine prevails and that Putin does not win."
At the same time, Stoltenberg warned that the discussion should not be narrowed down to additional systems. "It's not just about adding more weapon systems," he said. "Perhaps even more importantly, there is sufficient ammunition for all systems already in place. The need for ammunition and spare parts is enormous."
