NATO Secretary General: "Russia-Ukraine War Could Last for Years"

A massive explosion occurred on the 18th in the Luhansk (Russian name: Lugansk) region.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-seop] There is a prospect that the war between Russia and Ukraine could continue for several years. As some parts of the Donbas region, where fighting is intensifying, fall under Russian control, voices are emerging that preparations for a prolonged conflict are necessary.

According to major foreign media on the 19th, Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), said in an interview with a German media outlet, "We must prepare for the war in Ukraine to last for years," and emphasized, "Support for Ukraine must not be stopped even at great cost." He also stated that if Russian President Vladimir Putin achieves his objectives in Ukraine, "we will pay a much greater price."

Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, also advised preparing for a prolonged war between Russia and Ukraine. Johnson mentioned through local media that "it must be ensured that the Ukrainian military receives weapons and equipment more quickly than Russia."

The Washington Post (WP) reported on the 17th that Ukraine and Russia might remain in a standoff without a ceasefire, similar to the Korean Peninsula. It analyzed that since it is difficult for Ukraine to push back Russian forces in the Donbas region, a stalemate might be the best outcome.

Aivo Daalder, former U.S. Ambassador to NATO and Chairman of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, told the Washington Post, "The only option left for the U.S. in a stalemate is a cold choice," and said, "Cutting off support is tantamount to throwing Ukraine to the wolves."