We want to say very clearly that an attack on a NATO state will be an attack on everyone / Russia will pay for it for years / We must help countries like Georgia, Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina to follow the chosen path.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg made statements on Friday night about the alliance’s support in case a NATO state is attacked by Russia, but also how it will respond to Russia’s demands.
- We are with those killed, injured and forced to leave their homes. We call on Russia to end this meaningless war, to renounce the agreement. The Kremlin’s goals are not limited to Ukraine.
- Russia has demanded that we renounce NATO enlargement and remove troops and infrastructure from countries that joined after 1997. Russia is challenging the European security order and using force.
- The world will hold Russia accountable as an aggressor and Belarus as an accomplice. It’s a terrible strategic mistake that will pay off for years to come.
- The Russian people need to know that the Kremlin war will not make Russia safer, more respectful globally, will not lead to a better level for civilians.
- In response to the accumulation of soldiers in recent months, we have stepped up our defense. Yesterday, NATO allies activated their defense plans.
- We have 100 aviation on high alert (…)
- Countries like Georgia, Moldova and Moldova need to help them get on the path they have chosen.
- There is no security in Europe without a strong transatlantic link.
- Q: How long do you think the Ukrainian government will last and what kind of support can NATO offer in an insurgency?
- A: What we see now is war from several directions, from the ground, air and water, that’s what our intelligence services predicted because we saw the armament. The rhetoric and the messages indicate that their goal is to bring down the democratic government in Kiev. We are in contact, we are monitoring the situation, but we have seen that the Ukrainian forces are fighting bravely and are managing to cause damage. But it is a fluid situation that is constantly evolving. Allies say they are ready to provide military and humanitarian support, the message is that we support Ukraine.
- Q: Can we expect NATO to provide anti-aviation systems to Ukraine?
- A: The Allies continue to provide support to Ukraine, the Allies have information about what weapons they will send. We must realize that in this situation it is difficult to predict what the possibilities are in the future, but other possibilities provide support and are committed to providing support.
- Q: There are concerns that NATO could be embroiled in conflict if electricity is shut down in Ukraine and Romania and Bulgaria are affected. Can Article 5 be triggered?
- A: With regard to NATO allies, it offers absolute security guarantees. An attack on one NATO state will be an attack on all. We are ready to protect every NATO ally and every inch of NATO. We are focused on reducing risks.
Photo source: Inquam Photos / Octav Ganea