The former Russian president claimed that the bloc’s general secretary had confirmed his direct involvement in the Ukrainian conflict
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg may have inadvertently admitted that the Western military alliance is at war with Moscow, at least in the eyes of former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. The problem is Stoltenberg’s statement on Tuesday that a Russian military victory in Ukraine would be a defeat for NATO.
Medvedev called the comment “an open confirmation of NATO’s participation in the war against our country – a careless, but sincere remark. The honest Norwegian finally admitted it.
Stoltenberg, a former prime minister of Norway, made the comments during a press briefing as NATO ministers prepared to meet Ukrainian Defense Minister Aleksey Reznikov on Wednesday. Among other issues, ministers will discuss how to meet kyiv’s ‘urgent needs’ and bolster their own stockpiles of weapons after sending billions of dollars in military aid to Ukraine in hopes of helping defeat the Russian forces.
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Russia’s victory will be NATO’s defeat – Stoltenberg
“There is an urgent need for air defense, but of course also many other capabilities – precision-guided munitions, HIMARS and other advanced, modern and NATO-compliant systems,” Stoltenberg spoke about Ukraine’s requests for help. He added that NATO members are providing unprecedented support because « They understand that we have a moral, political and security interest in ensuring that Ukraine wins the war against President Putin. »
Russian officials have stressed that supplying Ukraine with more advanced weaponry, such as multiple rocket launcher (MRL) systems, would increase the risk of triggering a wider conflict. “The quickest way to bring the conflict in Ukraine to the point of no return is to arm the psychopaths in kyiv with longer-range MRLs,” said Medvedev. « Former Washington obkom leaders and NATO upstarts have to use their soft brains at least sometimes. »
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NATO prepares for nuclear exercises
Stoltenberg insisted that NATO is « not a party to the conflict », even as he plays a « key role. » He vowed the bloc will stand with Ukraine « as long as it takes » to defeat Russia. « It is important for all of us that Ukraine wins the battle, the war against the invading Russian forces, because if Putin wins, it will not only be a great defeat for the Ukrainians, but it will be a defeat and a dangerous for all of us. «
The NATO chief also accused Putin of « irresponsible nuclear rhetoric », contribute to « the most significant escalation since the beginning of the war. » However, when asked whether the risk of miscalculation amid heightened tensions with Russia had prompted NATO members to consider canceling or modifying the bloc’s planned nuclear exercise the next week he said: « Now is the time to be firm and clear that NATO is here to protect and defend all allies. »
