NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg made statements about Russia’s attacks on Ukraine at the Ottawa Security and Defense Conference. Stating that Russia is shattering peace in Europe, Stoltenberg said that Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a brutal war against Ukraine simply because he dared to choose the path of democracy and freedom.
Stating that the war initiated by Putin is not only against international law, Stoltenberg said, “It is trying to destroy the order based on all international rules on which our peace and security depend.”
“THIS IS A WAR CRIME”
Addressing Putin, Stoltenberg said, “We are seeing attacks on civilians in Ukraine and this is a war crime. Stop this war. Withdraw your forces. Return to diplomacy.” “This is heartbreaking for all of us.”
Stating that this support was provided to help Ukraine protect its right to self-defense in the UN Charter, Stoltenberg explained that with the sanctions, they targeted Russian companies, banks, energy suppliers and oligarchs close to Putin.
“NATO DOUBLE ITS MILITARY PRESENCE”
“It is NATO’s responsibility to ensure that this conflict does not spread beyond Ukraine,” Stoltenberg said. Because such a situation would be even more dangerous, destructive and deadly for Ukraine and for all of us. The Allies are thus significantly increasing the defensive presence in the east of our alliance with thousands of soldiers and hundreds of aircraft and ships. “We’ve doubled our presence there in the last few weeks,” he said.
Stating that NATO allies will increase their support to Ukraine, Stoltenberg stated that allies provide more military, humanitarian and financial aid to Ukraine in order to increase the cost of the war to Russia and strengthen our deterrence and defense.
“EVERY MIXTURE OF NATO LANDS WILL BE DEFENDED”
Reiterating that every inch of NATO territory will be protected and defended, Stoltenberg said, “We are all inspired by the way Ukrainian forces bravely resisted the Russian invasion. Whatever Moscow tries to achieve with violence and aggression, it will fail. It’s already failing,” he said.
“PUTIN WANTS TO HOLD EUROPEAN COUNTRIES POSTAGE”
Stoltenberg said: “Putin wants less NATO on Russia’s borders. But it’s getting more NATO. It wants to divide Europe and North America. But we are more united than ever before. It wants to hold European countries hostage with Russian oil and gas. Instead, it forces countries to diversify their supplies.”
“WE ARE IN SOLIDARITY WITH OUR PARTNER UKRAINE”
Stating that Putin wants to extinguish the fire of freedom and democracy in Ukraine, Stoltenberg said, “However, no matter how dark the days and weeks ahead, this fire will continue to burn. Europe and North America will help keep that fire alive. We stand in solidarity with our partner Ukraine,” he said.
“NUCLEAR WEAPON THREAT…”
Evaluating Putin’s threat to use nuclear weapons as “reckless and dangerous”, Stoltenberg noted that as long as Russia, China and North Korea have nuclear weapons, NATO will maintain its nuclear deterrent.
EXPLANATION OF NO-FLIGHT ZONE
Stating that NATO could not fulfill the request for a no-fly zone in Ukraine’s airspace, Stoltenberg said, “For the implementation of the no-fly zone, Russia’s air defense systems must be attacked. This creates a direct conflict between NATO and Russia, escalating the war in Ukraine. and cause a full-fledged war between NATO and Russia in Europe.” he said. (AA-UAV)