Stoltenberg stated at the press conference he held at the end of the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting that they discussed many issues such as Ukraine, China and the Western Balkans for two days.
Stating that they evaluated the situation on the ground in Ukraine, Stoltenberg stated that 50 percent of the regions captured by Russia were taken back by the Ukrainian army.
RUSSIA IS IN A DIFFICULT SITUATION
Emphasizing that Ukraine continues to exist as a sovereign state and that this is the most important achievement, Stoltenberg said that Russia suffered great losses in wars and was weakened economically.
Stoltenberg stated that politically, Russia has lost its influence not only in Ukraine, but also in its immediate surroundings in the Caucasus and Central Asia, and said, “Russia is also becoming much more dependent on China. Moscow is mortgaging its future to Beijing with each passing year. Military “In this respect, Russia lost a significant part of its conventional forces. Hundreds of aircraft, thousands of tanks and more than 300 thousand casualties.” said.
Stating that Russia is under economic pressure, oil and gas revenues have fallen, more than 1000 foreign companies have stopped or scaled down their activities in the country and 1.3 million people left Russia last year, Stoltenberg said, “All this is Putin’s fault.” “He emphasizes that he made a strategic mistake by invading Ukraine.” he said.
Stoltenberg stated that Russia should not be underestimated and said, “Russia’s economy is on a war footing. Putin’s tolerance for losses is high. Russia’s goals in Ukraine have not changed. Russia made a large stockpile of missiles before winter. Ukraine’s electricity supply “We are seeing new attempts to hit the grid and energy infrastructure. He is trying to leave Ukraine in the dark and cold.” said. (AA)
