NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg clarifies that NATO stands behind Ukraine in the war against Russia’s invasion forces.
It is up to Ukraine to decide when the time for possible negotiations with Russia has come, and what Ukraine can accept, according to Stoltenberg.
– NATO’s policy is unchanged. We support Ukraine’s right to exist within recognized borders, the so-called territorial integrity. That is why we support them militarily, says Stoltenberg at Arendal Week on Thursday, reports Verdens Gang.
The support applies both with and without as far as Ukraine’s fortunes in war are concerned, emphasizes the NATO chief.
In response to a question from VG, Stoltenberg confirms that various end-of-war scenarios are being discussed within NATO.
– In NATO, there is an ongoing discussion about all possible issues related to the war, also about how to end it, he says.
He also says that no one can say for sure how the war will end, adding:
– The probability of a good outcome, seen from the Ukrainian point of view, increases the stronger Ukraine is militarily.
NATO Chief of Staff Stian Jenssen said on Tuesday that Ukraine may have to cede territory in exchange for NATO membership. The statement sparked anger in Ukraine and a spokesperson for the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry called it “unacceptable”.
Jenssen later backed down on the statement.