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Stoltenberg warns: Prepare for a long war in Ukraine

2023-09-17 08:46:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Stoltenberg warns: Prepare for a long war in Ukraine

Jens Stoltenberg has warned that there will be no quick end to the war in Ukraine, in an interview published on Sunday, as Kiev continues its counteroffensive against Russia, reports Agence France-Presse.

"Most wars last longer than expected when they first start," Stoltenberg said in an interview with German media group Funke.

"Therefore we must prepare for a long war in Ukraine."

Kiev launched its counteroffensive in June, pushing back against entrenched Russian positions in the south and east, but has made limited gains.

"We all want a quick peace," Stoltenberg said.

"But at the same time we have to accept: if President [Volodymyr] Zelensky and Ukrainians stop fighting, their country will cease to exist.

"If President Putin and Russia lay down their weapons, we will have peace."

On Ukraine's ambitions to join the alliance, Stoltenberg said: "There is no doubt that Ukraine will eventually be in NATO."

Kyiv was "closer to NATO" at an alliance summit in July, he said, according to AFP.

"When this war ends, we need security guarantees for Ukraine. Otherwise, history can repeat itself," he added.

At a July summit in Vilnius, NATO leaders agreed that Ukraine could join the alliance once certain conditions were met, and US and German officials made clear that these would include Kiev carrying out reforms to to protect democracy and the rule of law./ CNA





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