[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), emphasized that the war between Ukraine and Russia could continue for years and that support for the war will be sustained. His remarks are interpreted as highlighting the need to prepare for a prolonged conflict as Russia strengthens its effective control by establishing puppet regimes and preparing referendums in occupied territories.
On the 28th (local time), at a press conference held in Brussels, Belgium, Secretary General Stoltenberg stated, "We are prepared to continue supporting Ukraine even if the war against Russia lasts for years," adding, "Since the war is very likely to continue for months or years, long-term preparation will be necessary." He further explained, "NATO allies are ready to assist Ukraine over a long period to transition from Soviet-era equipment to NATO-standard weapon systems that require more training."
Despite unfavorable conditions on the battlefield, Russia continues the war and is reportedly preparing referendums to induce annexation by Russia and establish puppet regimes in occupied territories, raising concerns about a prolonged war in Europe. UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss also warned in an interview that "the war in Ukraine could continue for the next 10 years." This suggests a high possibility that the war will become prolonged, similar to the localized conflict in Donbas following Russia's 2014 invasion of Crimea.
It has been 10 days since the Russian military began its offensive in Donbas, but the occupied areas are reportedly no longer significantly expanding. According to the British Guardian, Russia is currently preparing referendums in major occupied areas such as Donbas and Kherson to ask residents whether they want to be annexed by Russia. In Kherson, it is reported that the city hall was recently occupied and a new puppet government mayor was appointed.
Some argue that Russia's shift to a long-term strategy is due to ongoing difficulties in maintaining logistics. According to CNN, a senior U.S. Department of Defense official said at a press briefing that "Russian forces are making slow and uneven progress in the Donbas region," and pointed out that "continued logistical supply disruptions prevent Russian forces from advancing more than a few kilometers per day."
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