Stoltenberg: I ​​fear the Ukraine war will get out of hand and become a war between Russia and NATO

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg fears a major war between Russia and NATO.

Stoltenberg made these statements to reporters in Norway, in which he spoke about the challenges he faces as the head of NATO, according to one of the biggest crises recorded in Europe in recent times. NRK.

“I am very serious. This is a lucky moment for Europe and therefore for Norway.”He says.

He added that NATO is working every day to prevent an escalation of the war.

Jens Stoltenberg is not new to how war works and how it affects people.

Read more

His grandfather served in World War II and his father, Thorwald Stoltenberg, was a diplomat, defense minister and foreign minister.

“Growing up, I learned that peace is not a given. Additionally, we learned to trust human interaction and know how important it is to talk to each other.Stoltenberg says.

Diplomatic tools are important in his role as NATO leader, but in the case of war, negotiations are ineffective.

“At one point, the talks were useless. Putin decided to use force and power. What helped was Ukraine’s military support. Only a strong Ukraine can maintain peace.NATO chief said.

Little has changed

Stoltenberg and Putin have been close to each other since the early 2000s, when Stoltenberg was newly elected prime minister and Putin became president of Russia.

“When he was newly elected president in 2000, he was a candidate and wanted to cooperate with the West. After a while, he became very aggressive and told stories that were not true.”he said.

Stoltenberg believes Putin misjudged Ukraine.

“He thought he could get what he wanted with military force and brutality the likes of which we haven’t seen since World War II. They deliberately cut off water supplies and attacked civilians by attacking non-military targets. It was a very brutal war.”he added.

“I don’t think he can destroy Ukraine. Instead, he brings even more support to Ukraine.”Stoltenberg adds.

Earlier this year, the NATO chief addressed the European Union Parliament. There he emphasized how important it is for Europe that Putin does not win Ukraine.

“I think it is very dangerous to underestimate what we are up against. We are facing a test to determine whether freedom can withstand authoritarian regimes.”The NATO leader noted.

“I understand people who feel that food prices and electricity bills are too high. It is a painful price we pay in Europe. But if Putin’s victory in Ukraine threatens our freedoms, there will be a heavy price to pay.warned that

He fears the war will escalate

Asked what he fears most this winter, he replies: “I fear that the war in Ukraine will get out of hand and escalate into a big war between NATO and Russia. But I’m sure we’ll avoid that,” Stoltenberg says and points to NATO increasing its presence in the east of the alliance.

According to Stoltenberg, Putin cannot doubt NATO’s ability to protect its member states.

“He knows it’s one for all and one for all. NATO’s most important mission is to prevent full-scale war in Europe, and we work towards that every day.Decades later the world moved on. NATO is stronger than it has been in years. Last but not least, Putin underestimated our ability to protect and defend each other. As long as we do that, we’re safe.” Stoltenberg concludes.