Aggression can spread
Stoltenberg fears decades of conflict with Russia
February 10, 2024, 7:02 a.m
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NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg fears a possible spread of Russian aggression to other countries – if Putin wins in Ukraine. Therefore, the defense industry should be ramped up quickly. Because deterrence only works if it is credible.
According to its Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, NATO must prepare for the possibility of a decades-long confrontation with Russia. “NATO is not looking for war with Russia,” Stoltenberg told “Welt am Sonntag.” “But we have to prepare ourselves for a confrontation that could last decades.” He once again called on the allies to expand their arms industry more quickly.
“If (Russian President Vladimir) Putin wins in Ukraine, there is no guarantee that Russian aggression will not spread to other countries,” the Norwegian warned. The best defense now is to support Ukraine and invest in NATO’s military capabilities. “Deterrence only works if it is credible,” he said.
“We need to restore and expand our industrial base more quickly so that we can increase deliveries to Ukraine and replenish our own stocks,” demanded Stoltenberg. “This means moving from slow production in times of peace to fast production, as required in conflict.” He therefore called for more and faster orders for Europe’s defense companies: In market economies, weapons manufacturers need signed contracts so that they can ramp up production, argued Stoltenberg.
The NATO Secretary General warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin was preparing his country’s economy for a long war. “Because Russia is gearing its entire economy towards war, we also have to do more for our security.” Most recently, Stoltenberg also confirmed that he was still counting on the US Congress to say “yes” to aid for Ukraine. It is “crucial that the United States Congress agrees on further support for Ukraine in the near future,” said Stoltenberg. “I count on all allies to maintain their commitment.” The former Norwegian Prime Minister emphasized that there is a real “transatlantic burden-sharing” in the Russian war of aggression.