NATO’s Stoltenberg Urges Steady Support for Ukraine While Citing Russia’s Internal Dynamics
After discussions with leaders from many NATO member nations in The Hague, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg voiced a clear reminder: Russia should not be underestimated in the wake of events from the previous weekend. He emphasized that Ukraine must be given the opportunity to seek gains on the battlefield and in negotiations, underscoring NATO’s unwavering intent to support Kyiv.
Stoltenberg stated that the recent weekend events reveal Russia’s domestic challenges, yet he warned against complacency about Moscow. The secretary-general argued that the alliance must balance prudent analysis of Russia with robust, sustained backing for Ukraine so that Kyiv can strengthen its position in any forthcoming negotiating process.
In his remarks, Stoltenberg reiterated NATO’s readiness to provide maximum assistance to Ukraine, highlighting that increased Ukrainian territorial gains could translate into a strengthened bargaining position in future talks. He framed the alliance’s approach as one of strategic support aimed at ensuring Ukraine’s resilience and leverage as the conflict evolves.
Previously, Stoltenberg commented on the situation surrounding the Wagner Private Military Company, stressing that NATO would respond quickly if its deployment were redeployed. He reiterated that these matters remain Russia’s internal affairs and that NATO’s focus is on backing Ukraine, avoiding direct involvement in Russia’s internal dynamics.
The discussions in The Hague reflect NATO’s ongoing assessment of the broader security landscape, including the implications of intra-Russian developments for European stability and for the alliance’s collective defense posture. NATO has consistently positioned itself as a provider of security assurance to member states while supporting Ukraine’s defense and sovereignty.
Officials noted that the alliance would continue monitoring the situation closely, coordinating with partner nations to ensure a unified, pragmatic response. The emphasis remains on deterrence, resilience, and the political and military support necessary to sustain Ukraine’s capability to defend its territory and uphold its strategic objectives during future negotiations. The emphasis on unity within the alliance is seen as a key factor in shaping both immediate security outcomes and longer-term regional stability, with Moscow’s internal affairs viewed through the lens of how they affect neighboring states and the transatlantic alliance as a whole.