The Alliance is preparing new projects to help Ukraine resist Russian aggression.
War of the Russian Federation against Ukraine
strong> enters a critical phase. Winter is coming and it will be difficult. It is difficult for the Ukrainian people and the armed forces who are fighting for their freedom, as well as for those who support them. However, we must continue to resist Russian aggression and the Kremlin's energy blackmail. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg wrote about this in an article for FT.
“Our unity and solidarity will be severely tested as families and businesses feel the crisis of soaring energy prices and the cost of living caused by Russia's brutal invasion. We have a tough six months ahead of us with the threat of power outages, disruptions and possibly even civil unrest. But we must stay the course and resist tyranny — for the sake of Ukraine and for our sake,” writes Stoltenberg.
He emphasized that NATO is paying a price for supporting Ukraine.
“But the price we pay is calculated in dollars, euros and pounds, and for Ukrainians – in life. And we will all pay a much higher price if Russia and other authoritarian regimes believe they can invade their neighbors and violate international law with impunity. If Russia stops fighting, there will be peace. If Ukraine stops fighting, it will cease to exist as an independent state. We have a moral obligation to support this independent democracy in the heart of Europe,” the NATO Secretary General emphasized.
He also added that the price NATO pays for supporting Ukraine also contributes to the security of the Alliance.
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“Vladimir Putin clearly stated that he wants to erase Ukraine from the map and rewrite the European security order. Russia temporarily occupied about 20 percent of the territory of Ukraine — this is four times more than the territory of Belgium or half of Great Britain. Emboldened by any success, Russia may take risks and go on further aggression against other neighbors and even attack NATO allies,” the article says.
“Therefore, we have a choice about a world in which we want to live NATO Allies are committed to the right of each nation to choose its own destiny. That is why we are providing unprecedented financial, humanitarian and military assistance to help Ukraine gain the upper hand as a sovereign independent state,” Stoltenberg writes.
He also recalled that since the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014, allied countries have provided billions of dollars in support to the security sector and institutions of Ukraine, and have also trained tens of thousands of military personnel, including special forces. This helped make the Ukrainian armed forces stronger and better prepared for a new Russian invasion.
Stoltenberg emphasized that since February 2022, allies have rallied to the side of Ukraine, providing unprecedented military, humanitarian and financial support. In June, NATO leaders agreed on an enhanced aid package, including fuel, food, medical supplies, military equipment, communications and anti-mine and anti-drone equipment.
“We are preparing more than a dozen new projects to help Ukraine meet winter And we will continue to help the country strengthen its defense and security sector in the long term, as well as transition from Soviet-era weapons to NATO-standard capabilities,” the Alliance Secretary General stressed.
“NATO is part of the US-led Defense Contact Group for Ukraine, which I will rejoin this week with the intention of sending a clear message that we must continue to increase the assistance that Ukraine needs. We see the critical difference our support makes on the battlefield every day. The Ukrainian army has proven its ability to withstand Russian aggression, strike deep in the enemy's rear and inflict significant damage on the invading forces,” Stoltenberg wrote.
In his opinion, large-scale sanctions introduced by NATO allies and the EU affect the Russian economy.
“Over time, they will bite only harder, taking into account the outflow of talent and capital, as well as the travel ban and freezing of assets of Russian elites . The Kremlin has cut itself off from its closest and most profitable oil and gas markets in Europe,” Stoltenberg stressed.
Above all, he said, technology sanctions severely limit Russia's access to advanced semiconductors and chips needed to support its automotive industry, aircraft and military operations.
“Our countries are using this opportunity to diversify their economies.” and energy supply, strengthen stability and forever free ourselves from Russia's energy blackmail,” said the Secretary General of the Alliance.
Stoltenberg also notes that at the same time, the Alliance is making the most significant changes in deterrence and defense since the Cold War, significantly strengthening its presence on the eastern flank, bringing troops to increased readiness and continuing to invest in advanced capabilities.
“NATO's security guarantees leave no room for Moscow to miscalculate our ability to protect every inch of the Alliance's territory. At the same time, they allow allies to support Ukraine's right to self-defense. Hard times are ahead, but we've been through hard times together before. The price of refusing to protect our values is always greater. For the sake of the future of Ukraine and our future, we must prepare for a winter war and stay the course,” Stoltenberg emphasized.
Read also: NATO managed to collect half of the winter package for Ukraine, but there is a problem
Related video < p>Earlier, Stoltenberg stated that the Alliance will support Ukraine as long as it is needed. According to him, the most difficult stage in the confrontation between Ukraine and the Russian Federation has begun – a war of attrition.
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