He made this statement in an interview with the German press agency dpa on July 5, as reported by DW.
Key Points from Stoltenberg's Interview:
Hope for Ukraine's Accession:
- Stoltenberg expressed his aspiration for Ukraine to become a NATO member within the next ten years. He highlighted his efforts towards NATO's expansion during his tenure.
- "I really hope that Ukraine will become an ally," Stoltenberg stated.
Call for Increased Military Aid:
- The NATO Secretary General urged member states to provide more military support to Ukraine. He emphasized that strengthening support is crucial to ending the war more quickly.
- "The stronger our support, the sooner this war will end. This is a paradox. The more we do for the long term, the sooner the war can end. Because now Putin thinks he can wait us out," Stoltenberg added.
Context of the Statement:
- Stoltenberg's comments come just days before the NATO summit and amidst ongoing discussions about NATO's enlargement and the security situation in Eastern Europe.
- Polish President Andrzej Duda announced a National Security Council meeting on July 8, just before the NATO summit, to discuss these issues.
Implications:
Stoltenberg's statement underscores NATO's long-term commitment to Ukraine's security and the potential for its future membership. The call for increased military aid highlights the strategic importance of supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression and the broader implications for European and global security.
