NATO chief: We must prepare ourselves for long war in Ukraine

Stoltenberg spoke in an interview with German media group Funke

Details: As NATO’s Secretary General explained, “most wars last longer than expected when they first start” and therefore the Alliance must prepare for a long war in Ukraine.

Quote: “We all wish for a quick peace. But at the same time we must recognize that: If President [Volodymyr] Zelenskyy and the Ukrainians stop fighting, their country will no longer exist. If President Putin and Russia lay down their arms, we will have peace,” he said.

Stoltenberg emphasized that after the end of the war, Ukraine must receive security guarantees to prevent a return of Russian aggression against it.

“The peace agreement should not be a respite for Russia to attack [Ukraine] again. We can no longer allow Russia to jeopardize security in Europe. There is no doubt that Ukraine will eventually join NATO,” he said.