NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is convinced that Russia has suffered a strategic defeat by invading Ukraine.

Speaking at the 75th session of the Nordic Council in Oslo (Norway) on Tuesday, Stoltenberg said: “The invasion of Ukraine is a strategic defeat for Russia. The stronger Ukraine is on the battlefield, the stronger they will be at the negotiating table. And when the war does end, we must ensure that history does not repeat itself. That Russia does not continue to take pieces of Ukraine (territories).”

The Secretary General recalled that all NATO countries agree that Ukraine should become a member of the Alliance. “At the summit in Vilnius, we took three important decisions to make it happen. First, we removed one of two steps in the membership process. We removed the requirement for the MAP, Membership Action Plan, and thus made the path much shorter. Second, we created an entirely new political platform. We established the NATO-Ukraine Council. Where we meet as equals for consultations and can make decisions. And third, we adopted a comprehensive package that ensures that Ukraine and NATO forces can fully interact,” he said in detail.

At the same time, Stoltenberg is sure that nvesting in Ukraine's security is also “an investment in our security.” “If Putin wins in Ukraine, it will be a tragedy for the Ukrainians. But it is also dangerous for us. It will make us more vulnerable. The message to Putin and other authoritarian leaders will be that if they use military force, they will get what they want,” the Secretary General explained.

He also believes that the war in Gaza “must not lead to a weakening of our will and ability to support Ukraine.” “A new winter is approaching, and we must expect new attacks against energy supplies and other critical infrastructure. There are no signs that Russia is planning for peace. On the contrary, they are planning for more war. Therefore, we must continue to support Ukraine. That means more weapons. And I say that because I want peace in Ukraine,” Stoltenberg stressed.

At the same time, the Secretary General said that Russian President Putin “can stop the war today by ceasing to attack a neighbour.” “Ukraine does not have that option. If Ukraine stops defending itself, they will be occupied. And occupation is not peace.,” he satetd.

Stoltenberg noted that the Ukrainians are fighting with courage and determination.” “But courage doesn't stop bombs. Determination does not intercept missiles. That's what weapons of high quality and in large quantities do. Tanks, air defences, fighter planes and ammunition. Our support makes a difference,” the Secretary General is convinced.

In this regard, he recalled that when Russia invaded Ukraine, there were fears that Kyiv would fall in just a few days. “It didn't happen. Instead, the Ukrainians have liberated their land. Reclaiming half of the land that Russian forces took when they invaded last year. Ukraine has survived as a nation. Retained its freedom and independence. And they can still choose their own path. This is a big win. Russia has lost. It has lost tens of thousands of soldiers. It has lost large amounts of military material. And it has lost political influence and is increasingly isolated,” Stoltenberg said.