The head of NATO clearly: Putin's war goal is no longer achievable

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg assumes that Russia, despite large military efforts, will not be able to achieve its war goals in Ukraine. The aim of the invasion initiated by President Vladimir Putin was to prevent Ukraine from getting closer to NATO and the European Union, Stoltenberg said in an interview with the DPA news agency just before Christmas.

He believes that after almost two years of war, Ukraine is now closer to the Alliance and the EU than ever before.

“President Putin has lost Ukraine forever”, Stoltenberg said, meaning that for decades Russia viewed Ukraine as part of its sphere of influence. For Russia, this is a major strategic failure. The head of the Alliance is absolutely sure that Ukraine will finally achieve its goal of joining NATO.

Stoltenberg also pointed out that Russia is paying a huge price for its war. The country has already lost hundreds of planes and thousands of tanks, and 300,000 soldiers have been killed or wounded. As a result of the war, inflation also increases and the standard of living decreases. Moreover, Russia is now more politically isolated than before.

There is no prospect of a change in policy

At the same time, Stoltenberg warned against betting on the fact that given the development of events, we can count on a quick end to the war and believe that Putin will change course after the expected re-election on March 17.

– We have no signs that Putin will change his goals and policies, said the former Norwegian prime minister. He added: “He will continue to try to occupy more areas”. Stoltenberg's perspective for NATO and the 31 member states means that support for Ukraine must continue consistently.

– Ukrainians have shown that they can defend themselves and resist, especially when they receive weapons from Germany and many other NATO countries – said the head of the Alliance.

An appeal to allies

Stoltenberg called on allies to check whether more military equipment could be provided to Ukraine through changes to existing agreements with third countries.

Overall, we need to increase our production to better help Ukraine and better protect ourselves

he said.

Earlier, it turned out that the EU's plans to deliver one million artillery shells to Ukraine by spring 2024 would not be implemented. One reason is believed to be that currently at least 40 percent of production is exported to third countries. The real question is whether it is really necessary to export as much to third countries as is currently the case, Stoltenberg points out.

No advice on mobilization

In an interview with DPA, the Norwegian did not want to comment on discussions regarding the possible mobilization of additional soldiers in Ukraine. “I will be careful in giving advice to President Zelensky on how best to conduct the war,” he said. He added:

No one knows the needs for soldiers better than the Ukrainians themselves

Regarding his planned departure from the position of Secretary General next autumn and the candidacy of outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte to replace him, the 64-year-old stated briefly: “Mark is a friend and a capable Prime Minister with a lot of experience, but it is not up to me to recommend my successor”.

Scenario with Donald Trump

Regarding Donald Trump's possible return to the White House after the US presidential election, Stoltenberg did not show any concern.

I am confident that the United States will remain committed to the transatlantic partnership – regardless of who is elected president

he said.

In his opinion, NATO makes the United States safer and stronger. No other power in the world – neither Russia nor China – has anything comparable to what the United States has achieved with NATO.