In a sobering and starkly worded intervention, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has declared that a Russian victory in Ukraine would not only be a tragedy for the nation but would fundamentally reshape global security for the worse, making the world a far more dangerous place.
The warning, delivered during a press conference in Brussels, underscores the high-stakes nature of the conflict, which Stoltenberg framed as a critical battle for the future of European stability. He argued that success for Vladimir Putin would serve as a green light to other authoritarian regimes, signalling that military aggression can be used to achieve geopolitical aims.
The Domino Effect of a Russian Triumph
"A Russian victory would make the world more dangerous and all of us more vulnerable," Stoltenberg stated emphatically. "It is in our interest to support Ukraine because if President Putin wins, it will not only be a tragedy for the Ukrainians, but it will make the world more dangerous and us more vulnerable."
The NATO chief's comments highlight a growing concern within the alliance that the war's outcome has implications far beyond Ukraine's borders. The fear is that a successful conquest would embolden Moscow, potentially leading to increased aggression and a heightened risk of conflict with NATO members in the future.
Intensified Combat and the Urgent Need for Aid
Stoltenberg's urgent message comes at a pivotal moment on the battlefield. He reported that combat in the Donetsk region has intensified, with Ukrainian forces engaged in fierce defensive operations. This brutal fighting underscores the critical and immediate need for continued military support from Western allies.
The discussion also turned to Poland, a key NATO member on the alliance's eastern flank. Stoltenberg acknowledged the significant support Warsaw has provided to Ukraine while also recognising the economic pressures and logistical challenges Poland faces as a result of the conflict.
The overarching message from NATO headquarters is clear: supporting Ukraine is not an act of charity but a fundamental investment in collective European defence and security. The alliance believes that preventing a Russian victory is essential to maintaining the international rules-based order and preventing further instability on the continent.
