NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg emphasizes that rising world energy prices should not affect Ukraine’s long-term support in the war with Russia.
Source: NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg
According to Stoltenberg, we can not deny that NATO countries are “paying the price” because of the effects of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
“But you have to remember that by far the highest price is paid by the Ukrainian people and Ukrainian Armed Forces. They are actually fighting every day. We see casualties. We see attacks on cities, civilian infrastructure, hospitals, and schools. So of course, I recognize that also people in NATO-allied countries and partners see the consequences of the war because of higher energy prices. And I share those concerns. And as political leaders throughout the Alliance, they are addressing that in different ways. But that’s a very different situation than the situation people experience in Ukraine, where they actually are killed, and where we see atrocities, and where people are afraid for their lives. So we have to put things in perspective.”
Stoltenberg emphasizes that it is in the interests of NATO to support Ukraine.
“We support Ukraine partly because they are a close partner. We have worked with them for many years, but also because it will be our world, the world of NATO Allies will be more insecure if Putin wins this war. So it’s in our security interest to make sure that Ukraine prevails as a sovereign, independent nation. And therefore, we need to provide support as long as it takes. And has a much higher price than to pay the price now to ensure that Ukraine prevails.”
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