The Ukrainian position in the ongoing conflict with Russia could face additional strain if Western support does not meet rising needs, according to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in an interview with the German broadcaster Das Erste.
“We must be prepared for bad news,” replied the Secretary General when asked whether he feared the situation in Ukraine might deteriorate further in the future.
Stoltenberg described the war as a gradual evolution, urging sustained support for Ukraine through both challenging and hopeful times. He reiterated that the conflict represents a war of attrition and warned that Ukraine currently finds itself in a precarious moment.
When queried about the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ actions under such pressure, the NATO chief emphasized leaving complex operational choices in the hands of Ukraine and its military leadership.
Ammo issues
The NATO Secretary General acknowledged that alliance members are struggling to keep pace with Kyiv’s growing demand for weapons. He underscored that increasing ammunition production is crucial and noted that member states are paying heightened attention to this issue due to Ukraine’s urgent needs.
Stoltenberg argued that the alliance should focus first on addressing the problem of fragmentation within the European defense industry, highlighting the broader interests and business implications in the sector. He stressed that rising demand must not drive up prices indiscriminately.
Regarding the front line, Stoltenberg said that there has been no significant progress in recent months and did not forecast major breakthroughs in the near term.
Wars, he observed, are inherently unpredictable. Still, he emphasized that greater support for Ukraine could accelerate the end of the conflict. He warned that a Russian victory would be a tragedy for Ukraine and stressed that NATO’s interest lies in ensuring Kyiv’s success.
Results not available
Alexei Pushkov, chair of the Federation Council’s Commission on Information Policy and Interaction with the Media, interpreted Stoltenberg’s call to prepare for bad news as an admission that the conflict is tilting unfavorably for Kyiv. He noted that six months earlier it would have been unlikely to hear a public acknowledgment from Stoltenberg that the situation favored Moscow.
From Pushkov’s perspective, the remark about helping Ukraine in both good and difficult times signals that tough times have already arrived and that a turnaround is improbable. He stressed the broader implications for Kyiv amid the ongoing war.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces have been engaged in a counteroffensive since June 4. In a recent interview with the Associated Press, President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged that the counteroffensive did not yield the hoped-for results for Kyiv. When asked about the outcome, Zelensky remained resolute, stating that Ukraine is not retreating and that the country is fighting a conflict against one of the world’s most formidable military powers. He indicated a desire for faster gains but conceded that achieving all objectives has been challenging. He also affirmed a willingness to persevere in the face of ongoing challenges.
Elon Musk, the American businessman and owner of a major social platform, commented with a brief and stark reaction on social media, describing the situation as terrible.