NATO Secretary General: "Must Prepare for Prolonged Duration of Ukraine War"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), urged on the 7th (local time) that the West must prepare for a stronger and years-long war in Ukraine.

In an interview with Germany's Welt am Sonntag on the same day, Secretary General Stoltenberg said, "We must prepare for more barbarism, greater destitution, and more destruction of infrastructure and residential areas caused by Russia's attacks."

He estimated that it would be a long war lasting months or even years.

Secretary General Stoltenberg called on NATO allies to supply more medium-range weapons. He explained that in the long term, Ukraine cannot defend itself with Soviet-era weapons and must transition to modern Western weapons.

He emphasized that the West must be prepared for longer engagement, as only then can Ukraine defend itself.

He also warned Russian President Vladimir Putin about the use of nuclear weapons.

He said, "Our message is clear," adding, "After the use of nuclear weapons, there will only be losers on all sides." He further noted that there is no indication yet that Russia's nuclear readiness level has been raised.