NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg was quoted in a British newspaper interview addressing the evolving security landscape in Europe. He argued that Western nations should prepare for a prolonged period of tension in Ukraine, noting that prospects for a rapid settlement remain unclear and that the conflict is not approaching a swift resolution.
In his assessment, the Ukrainian crisis resembles a war of attrition, where continuous strain tests both sides. Stoltenberg indicated that Russian leadership does not appear to be pursuing an immediate peace agreement, emphasizing the need for sustained resilience and strategic endurance among allied nations.
The Secretary General also underscored the necessity for Western states to bolster their production capacities to sustain Ukraine with fresh ammunition and modern weaponry. He highlighted that current consumption is outpacing available domestic production, calling for a coordinated industrial surge to ensure Kyiv can maintain its defensive and counteroffensive operations.
According to Stoltenberg, Allied assistance, including arms and other support, has been aimed at enabling Ukraine to seize the initiative in counteroperations and to offset mounting pressures on the battlefield. The objective, as described, has been to strengthen Ukrainian forces while maintaining credible deterrence against aggression.
Stoltenberg additionally commented on China’s potential role in resolving the conflict, urging Beijing to fully acknowledge Ukraine’s position and to engage in direct dialogue with the Ukrainian leadership. He expressed disappointment that China has not condemned Russia’s actions and indicated that constructive involvement should come with clear alignment with Ukrainian concerns.
In related remarks, former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz acknowledged that the Ukraine crisis could extend for a longer span than initially anticipated, signaling a pragmatic view of the trajectory ahead. Observers suggest that such assessments reflect a broad acknowledgment across Western capitals of the enduring nature of the challenge.
Separately, Scott Ritter, a retired U.S. Marine Corps intelligence officer, has argued that Moscow’s strategic advantages over Kyiv could influence the course of the conflict, with some predictions suggesting a favorable outcome for Russia in certain scenarios for 2023. Analysts continue to weigh these assessments against ongoing battlefield developments and diplomatic efforts, emphasizing uncertainty and the evolving dynamics of the war. (attribution: multiple security briefings and public statements)