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NATO chief urges long-term Western support for Ukraine: BBC

02.01.2023 01:00
NATO's secretary-general has said that Western countries must be prepared to provide long-term support to Ukraine as Russia's war shows no signs of ending, the BBC has reported.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.Photo: EPA/OLIVIER HOSLET

Jens Stoltenberg said that military support would ensure the survival of Ukraine as a sovereign country and force Russia to sit down and negotiate an end to the war, the British public broadcaster reported on its website.

Stoltenberg told the BBC in an interview that Russia is "prepared to continue the war and also try to potentially launch a new offensive."

"We need to provide support to Ukraine now, including military support, because that's the only way to convince Russia that they have to sit down and negotiate in good faith and respect Ukraine as a sovereign independent nation in Europe," the NATO chief said, as quoted by the BBC.

"What we do know is that what Ukraine can achieve around that table is totally dependent on the strength on the battlefield," he added.

In another recent interview, Stoltenberg urged allies to supply more weapons to Ukraine to help it defend itself against Russian attacks.

"I call on allies to do more," Stoltenberg said in an interview published last week by German news agency DPA.

He added that it was especially important that Ukraine receive new supplies of ammunition and spare parts for military equipment.

Stoltenberg also said last week that "military support for Ukraine is the fastest way to peace."

Monday is day 313 of Russia’s war on Ukraine. 

(gs)

Source: PAPbbc.com