NATO must be prepared for a long confrontation with Russia
The NATO Secretary-General warned on Thursday, February 16, that member countries of this military alliance should be prepared for a prolonged confrontation with Russia beyond the crisis caused by Moscow’s military invasion of Ukraine.
In a joint press conference with the Turkish Foreign Minister in Ankara, Jens Stoltenberg also emphasized that it is time for Turkey to approve Sweden and Finland’s request for NATO membership.
Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine has been the most dangerous security crisis in Europe since the end of World War II and has compelled NATO to reassess its military capabilities.
In part of his interview, the NATO Secretary-General noted that Vladimir Putin is seeking a different Europe, one where he can control Russia’s neighbors and dictate his policies to them.
Mr. Stoltenberg, while emphasizing the need for NATO member countries to be prepared for a long-term confrontation with Russia, added that nonetheless, this situation could change due to a sudden event.