Stoltenberg: “NATO must be prepared for bad news from Ukraine” | War Ukraine and Russia

“Wars develop in phases,” the NATO Secretary General explained. “We also have to be prepared for bad news,” Stoltenberg added, without going into detail.

The war appears to have reached a stalemate in recent weeks despite the months-long Ukrainian counter-offensive. But the Ukrainian army was able to push back the Russian Black Sea Fleet and cause damage deep in Russian territory thanks to the use of Western cruise missiles. “These are big victories, even if they have not shifted the front line,” Stoltenberg emphasized in the interview.

LOOK. Stoltenberg: “We must continue to support Ukraine”

His comments come as Western allies debate whether to supply ammunition and provide additional financial support to Ukraine as Moscow ramps up its military forces, writes ‘Politico’.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Friday on a new increase in the number of soldiers in the Russian army. According to that decree, 15 percent or 170,000 more soldiers must be added.

The Russian Ministry of Defense has stated that the increase in troop numbers will be done gradually, based on voluntary commitment. A mobilization is not on the agenda.

Stoltenberg called on NATO members to increase ammunition production and lamented that Europe’s defense industry is highly fragmented. “We are not able to work together as closely as we should,” the NATO chief said, urging governments to look beyond their national interests and see the bigger picture.

A Russian victory would not only be a tragedy for Ukraine, but also pose a danger to the rest of the allies, Stoltenberg stressed. “The more we support Ukraine, the faster the war will end.”