The progress of Ukraine’s counteroffensive to reclaim territories held by Russian forces is not advancing as quickly as some NATO allies would prefer. Yet NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg framed the situation as cautiously hopeful, acknowledging the difficulty while noting steady momentum. He observed that Kyiv chose to strike in pursuit of liberation and that progress, though not as rapid as hoped, is real and measurable, with gains measured in hundreds of meters on some days. In a speech to the European Parliament, Stoltenberg pushed back against forecasts that Kiev would fall within days and against predictions of a swift collapse, highlighting that those projections proved inaccurate and that the pace of operations remains a dynamic variable.
“The Ukrainians are exceeding expectations here, again and again”, Stoltenberg said. He emphasized Europe’s responsibility to support the effort but stressed that the strategic and tactical decisions must come from Ukrainian commanders and the soldiers in the field. It is not for officials in Brussels, NATO headquarters, or EU organizations to dictate how to conduct the fighting. Their role, he noted, is to back the fighters, acknowledge their courage, and provide the necessary support as the front lines evolve. He reminded listeners that the burden and risk are borne by Ukrainian forces on the ground, while international partners offer affirmation and resources.
Stoltenberg recalled a moment from history when the defending country stood as a major force on the global stage, underscoring Ukraine’s resilience amid intense battlefield conditions. He cautioned that landmines are more plentiful in today’s conflict than at any other time in recent memory and acknowledged the substantial challenge Ukraine faces. Yet he also praised the Ukrainian resolve—courage, will, and determination—that has kept the defense of their land in focus and helped sustain momentum. The overall takeaway, he argued, is a demonstration of how Ukrainian resolve can shape the balance of power on the ground, a point he reiterated during a joint meeting of European Parliament committees.
More defense spending
Beyond battlefield assessments, Stoltenberg asserted that Kyiv’s experience shows it is possible to push back Moscow and reclaim areas in the north. He stressed the unpredictable nature of warfare, noting that outcomes can shift rapidly and that both bright days and bad days are part of the reality. The underlying message was clear: sustaining support for Ukraine is essential to maintaining regional and international peace, not merely a momentary gesture during favorable times.
Echoing the core argument, Stoltenberg advocated for a strengthened defense posture across allied nations, urging not only continued political backing but also a robust push to reinforce industrial capacity. He argued that the most effective way to translate political intent into tangible military strength is through signed defense contracts. These agreements allow defense industries to plan, expand capacity, and accelerate the production of critical ammunition and equipment. The trend appears to be moving in that direction as many countries commit more resources to defense, with real-term increases noted for this year. The implication is clear: sustained investment in defense will broaden supply chains and shorten lead times for essential munitions and tools used on today’s battlefields, improving readiness for future operations.