Stoltenberg: World will be a more dangerous place if Russia wins war

Speaking at a summer camp in his native Norway, Mr. Stoltenberg said the alliance has the moral responsibility to support Ukraine and its people under Russian aggression.

“We are seeing acts of war, attacks on civilians and disasters not seen since World War II”, Mr. Stoltenberg said, according to a NATO report. “We cannot be indifferent to this”, he added.

Mr. Stoltenberg said the world will be a more dangerous place if Russian President Vladimir Putin gets what he wants through the use of military force.

If Russia wins this war, it would be a claim that violence works. Then the turn could be of other neighbouring countries“, he said.

The Ukraine Army announced on Thursday that Russian forces were shelling numerous areas in Ukraine, including those around Karkiv, Sloveniansk and Chernihivi.

Meanwhile, the British Defence Ministry announced that Ukrainian forces are using rockets and artillery attacks against Russian military fortresses, personnel, logistical support bases and their ammunition depots. The ministry's statement said such attacks would likely have a major impact on Russia's efforts to refuel and support its military forces.

On Wednesday evening, the foreign ministers of G-7 countries issued a statement saying they are seeking ways to prevent Russia from taking advantage of its aggression in Ukraine, as well as limiting Moscow's ability to wage war.

Noting efforts to gradually give up the use of Russian energy sources, the ministers said they intend to take steps to reduce the amount of money Russia provides from energy exports. Similarly, efforts will focus on stabilising global energy markets, as well as preventing negative impact on low- and medium-income countries.

In New York, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres told reporters Wednesday that the organisation is currently considering ways to alleviate the global energy crisis caused by the war./VOA