Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Jens Stoltenberg on Saturday (24/2) urged Ukraine and its allies not to “be discouraged” when Russian President Vladimir Putin continued his bloody attacks in the last two years.
“The situation on the battlefield remains very serious. President Putin's goal of dominating Ukraine has not changed, and there is no indication that he is preparing for peace,” Stoltenberg said in a recording celebrating the second anniversary of the invasion.
“But we can't be discouraged. Ukraine has shown incredible skill and strong determination time and time again.”
The second anniversary of the invasion comes as outgunned Ukrainian troops struggle to hold the front lines and doubts arise about future support from the United States (US).
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (left) and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg made statements at the start of Zelensky's first visit to NATO headquarters since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, in Brussels. (Photo: AFP)
Stoltenberg pointed to recent military aid pledges from NATO countries worth billions of dollars.
“(The assistance) includes key capabilities, such as artillery ammunition, air defense and combat ships. As well as equipment and spare parts for F-16s, drones and mine equipment.
“Further support will be provided.”
Stoltenberg said Putin started his war to close the door on Kyiv's NATO membership.
“However, he achieved the opposite: Ukraine is now closer to NATO than ever before,” he said.
“Ukraine will join NATO. It's not a matter of if, but when. As we prepare you for that day, NATO will continue to support Ukraine. For your security, and for our security.” (ah/ft)