NATO Leaders Reiterate Urgency to Support Ukraine While Avoiding a Wider War
The NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, said on Thursday that alliance members recognize an urgent need to bolster support for Ukraine as it confronts Russian military actions. At the same time, he stressed that the alliance must prevent the conflict from escalating beyond Ukraine and turning into a broader confrontation. He noted that the war could continue for months or years, underscoring the long horizon many allies anticipate.
Stoltenberg conveyed that all NATO allies are prepared to provide additional help to Ukraine and that the urgency of this support is widely acknowledged among the partners. He emphasized these points during a news conference following the foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels. He stated that the core message from the allies centers on readiness to step up assistance to Kyiv today and in the days ahead.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba attended the ministerial session and made a clear plea to the gathering, underscoring that Kyiv needs weapons and munitions to arrive quickly. The dialogue highlighted Ukraine’s need for rapid delivery of arms to strengthen its defense and deter further Russian advances.
Since the onset of Russia’s invasion, NATO members have engaged in bilateral efforts and actions outside Russia’s framework to supply Kyiv with weapons for self defense. While Stoltenberg did not specify the exact types of armaments being provided, he confirmed that a broad range of weapon systems is being delivered to Ukraine to support its defense.
Stoltenberg reiterated that NATO’s primary obligation is to protect and defend all allies and to prevent the conflict from escalating into a full-fledged war between NATO and Russia. He noted that the alliance would not be directly involved in combat and that troops would not be sent to Ukraine. Nevertheless, he asserted that NATO allies are supporting Ukraine through many avenues, including reliable deterrence and political solidarity.
He praised the courage, determination, and leadership shown by Ukraine’s armed forces and the Ukrainian people, calling their resolve an inspiration for many. The alliance intends to continue backing Kyiv while maintaining unity among member states and reinforcing a robust presence on NATO’s eastern flank. This approach, Stoltenberg argued, helps deter further Russian moves and reassures allied populations.
Turning to the war’s duration, Stoltenberg warned that the fighting could extend for weeks, months, or possibly years. He warned that a prolonged conflict would pose particular risks to the Ukrainian population and stressed that the alliance remains vigilant about the potential for escalation beyond Ukraine. The focus remains on preventing such escalation by ensuring that allies speak with a common voice and stay united, while also increasing the alliance’s presence in eastern regions.
Looking ahead to a longer-term security landscape, he called for thoughtful planning on how NATO should respond once the fighting ends. The goal is to preserve collective defense and maintain security for all NATO members in the future, regardless of how the conflict evolves on the ground.
A notable comment was made about Vladimir Putin’s strategy, with discussions suggesting that Russia seeks to influence Ukraine and secure military gains. Observers note Russia appears to be regrouping, withdrawing some forces from northern Ukraine and repositioning them eastward, signaling a new phase of tension and a potential escalation in Donbas. The allies stressed the urgency of continuing support for Ukraine in light of these developments.
Regarding a social media video that showed Ukrainian soldiers firing on a captured Russian service member near Kyiv, Stoltenberg said he was not aware of the specific incident. He added that international law and the principles prohibiting war crimes remain clear and non negotiable, reinforcing that such actions are unacceptable under any circumstance. [Source: NATO briefings and official statements]