Outgoing NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg does not expect any “major breakthroughs” by Russian troops in Ukraine. “They have tried again to launch an offensive this spring and summer – but so far they have had only marginal success,” he said in Brussels.
“We have no signs or reasons to believe that Russia has the capabilities or strength to make major breakthroughs,” Stoltenberg continued. Russian forces would likely increase pressure on Ukraine and continue their airstrikes. So far, Ukrainian soldiers have managed to “hold the front line.”
“Trump criticizes allies”
At the same time, the Norwegian was convinced that the US government would remain a “strong NATO ally” because it was “in the security interests of the United States.” This is true regardless of the outcome of the elections in early November. “Former President Trump’s criticism is not primarily aimed at NATO. It is aimed at allies who do not spend enough, and that has changed now.” Currently, 23 of the 32 member states meet the requirement to spend two percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) on defense.
Conversation with Zelensky
Stoltenberg met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Thursday afternoon. This should include the defense alliance summit in Washington in the second week of July. Stoltenberg had long dampened Ukraine’s hopes for early membership. There is not yet the necessary consensus among members, he said.
However, the country at war must make long-term commitments for military assistance, and NATO also wants to coordinate arms deliveries and expand training of the Ukrainian armed forces (see video above).
Stoltenberg will hand over the position of NATO Secretary General to outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on October 1. The politician headed the alliance for ten years.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
