NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg defended the alliance’s strategy as member states debated how to respond to the Ukraine crisis. The discussion centered on supplying tanks to Ukraine and balancing the risk of escalation with a firm commitment to supporting Kyiv. The Kremlin’s warnings were loud, stressing that no option carries zero risk, and Stoltenberg underscored the need to oppose Russian actions while encouraging other powers to refrain from similar maneuvers in the Indo-Pacific region.
Stoltenberg’s remarks at the Munich Security Conference framed him as clear on deterrence. He stated that if President Putin were to prevail, it would empower other authoritarian regimes to push for expansion. Beijing, according to Stoltenberg, is watching closely to see whether Russia pays a price for its aggression or receives rewards, signaling the broader stakes involved beyond the immediate conflict in Ukraine.
The alliance chief emphasized that there are no risk-free options in this situation, but suggested that the gravest danger would be if Putin succeeded in reshaping the security landscape. He asserted that allied leaders must avoid giving a sense of hesitation and instead proceed with resolute, sustained support for Ukraine. Stoltenberg noted Russia’s ambitions to extend influence and to establish lines of communication with other authoritarian regimes such as Iran and North Korea, urging continued and enhanced assistance to Ukraine to counter these moves.
During his Munich visit, Stoltenberg met with key regional leaders to discuss the evolving security environment. He spoke with Finnish President Sauli Niinistö and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, two governments that are navigating a complex accession process to the Atlantic Alliance. Turkey’s veto has become a focal point in this discussion, as Ankara has challenged both countries over concerns related to terrorism and the treatment of groups it deems at risk, complicating the path toward full membership for Helsinki and Stockholm.
In a subsequent message delivered via social media, Stoltenberg reiterated that both Finland and Sweden are now in a safer position than before their applications for membership. He expressed optimism about their future as full members, signaling a continued commitment from the alliance to expand unity and geographic coverage as part of a broader strategy to deter aggression and maintain stability in Europe and allied regions.