Stoltenberg: We won't let Russia blackmail us

Jens Stoltenberg referred to activities organised at the Berlin Forum for Foreign Policy from the Körber Foundation: It's dramatic times, for Europe, for NATO, for Germany. The war in Ukraine is escalating by Russian air strikes on cities and further Moscow nuclear threats.

Stoltenberg, however, is certain: “Putin will not be allowed to appear” to break the fighting will of the Ukrainian people. With the help of Western military support, it has become possible to neutralise many missiles and fears Russians. Stoltenberg particularly appreciates the air defence systems sent by Germany.

With help from abroad, it has become possible to halt the Russian invasion of Kiev, Russia has never managed to gain the hopeful air advantage over Ukraine, and in territories east and south have been possible to regain control by Ukraine.

NATO leader urges allies to resist: Member states need to provide support as long as necessary and as long as it is necessary”. This reminds you of the words of former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi, who at the time of the 2012 state debt crisis promised “to support with everything is necessary” (“

German military contribution has been criticised as insufficient. The Ukrainian government mainly wants German combat tanks called Leopard 2, which the German government so far rejects. Stoltenberg avoided asking whether Germany should now supply Ukraine with Leopard 2 tanks but stressed, addressing NATO in general: “We all need to do more.” And not only by supplying more but also “by increasing production to complete our arsenals”. Self - protection ability should not be left behind.

Leopard 2 A4

“A nuclear war cannot be won”

Russia's President Putin has repeatedly threatened to use nuclear weapons. Finally after the pseudo-referredums and Ukrainian annexed territories, according to him, are under nuclear protection. Some observers believe that the difficult Putin may use atomic tactical weapons. In this regard, the Secretary - General NATO tries to calm down somewhat: All military movements are being closely watched. The danger of nuclear weapons use against Ukraine is low.” But NATO is “prepared for all events”.

He warns the Russians by “serious accountability” without specifying what they might be, in case they use nuclear weapons and adds: “Atomic war cannot be won. ”

Stoletenberg especially places emphasis on the message both to Putin, to Ukraine and NATO allies: “With threats Putin only wants to arrive to stop supporting Ukraine. If we do this, President Putin will win in Ukraine. If he wins, it would be a dangerous message to all authoritarian leaders that they, if they use brutal military machinery and violate international law, achieve their goals. ”

In this context, Stoltenberg contrasts possible Russian atomic weapons use in Ukraine and a nuclear or conventional attack on a NATO member country. If a NATO member country is attacked, there should be no misunderstanding in Moscow: This “would activate Article 5, collective defence clause”. Therefore, at the east of NATO, the presence of troops has been reinforced, and they have been put on alert. “We don't do this to provoke a conflict, but to prevent a conflict. ”

Bundeswehr (German Army) soldiers within NATO arrive (04.09,2022) at the port of Klaipda in Lithuania

Lessons in Center for China

If Ukraine today were in NATO, the obligation for collective protection would be valid already. Some believe membership would have prevented the Russian attack; while others -- primarily Western Europe -- are satisfied, that NATO has not been automatically involved in the conflict. Ukrainian President Zelensky now demands accelerated membership.

Stoltenberg says: NATO port remains open. One day Ukraine will be a member.” Russia has no right to co-operate. This is just one issue of all NATO members and Ukraine itself. But at the moment this is not the issue, now we need to focus, “for Ukraine to win the fight”.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyj

Stoltenberg learns from war in Ukraine about staying for an increasingly aggressive China. Referring to a possible invasion in Taiwan, Secretary General NATO says: “can never be accepted when one country tries to take territory from another country.” China needs “at least to condemn the” war against Ukraine.

Does Putin have to disappear so that there is a solution to this war? That question is avoided by Stoltenberg. NATO will react to Russian shares, regardless of who rules there. However, it gives an indirect answer, and it refers to those who believe Ukraine should compromise, to have peace: “Put has started the war.” And we must not forget: “If President Putin interrupts Russian fighting, there is peace. If Ukraine doesn't stop fighting, it won't exist as an independent state.” / DW