News - Stoltenberg: The more weapons for Ukraine NATO is able to deliver, the more likely it is that we can reach peace

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in his farewell speech—at the German Marshall Fund event "Reflections on a Challenging Decade"—before leaving his post that achieving peace in Ukraine paradoxically depends on the amount of weapons delivered to Kyiv. Also, Stoltenberg noted that peace negotiations should be held with the participation of Russia, and expressed confidence that Ukraine will become a member of NATO. “Military strength is a prerequisite for dialogue,” said Stoltenberg. “We have to speak to our neighbors. However difficult it might be. But dialogue only works when it is backed by strong defenses. This is clearly demonstrated in Ukraine.” At the same time, military power has its limits, which is clearly shown by the example of Afghanistan, Stoltenberg added. “By giving Ukraine more weapons, we can make [Russian President] Putin realize he cannot get what he wants by force, and make it so costly that he will have to accept Ukraine has a sovereign, democratic right to persist as a sovereign, democratic country,” he continued. “The paradox is that the more weapons for Ukraine we are able to deliver, the more likely it is that we can reach a peace and end to the war. And the more credible our long-term military support, the sooner the war will end,” Stoltenberg noted. According to the outgoing secretary general of NATO, “Any future deal must be backed by strong military support to Ukraine and credible security guarantees to ensure lasting peace.” He added that, “There can be no sustained security in Europe, without a stable Ukraine, and no lasting security for Ukraine, without NATO membership. NATO’s door is open. Ukraine will join.”