Worry about false peace
Stoltenberg: Military success helps Kiev at the negotiating table
6/18/2023 7:22 am
For NATO chief Stoltenberg, one thing is certain: peace can only come on Ukraine’s terms. Therefore, each recaptured territory improves Kiev’s negotiating position with Russia. Only then can one talk about the long-awaited entry into NATO.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warns of a false peace in Ukraine. “We all want this war to end. But for peace to be lasting, it has to be fair,” he told Welt am Sonntag. “Peace cannot mean freezing the conflict and accepting a deal dictated by Russia. Only Ukraine alone can define the terms that are acceptable,” added the former Norwegian prime minister.
In this context, the NATO chief pointed out that military successes in the theater of war would strengthen Ukraine’s negotiating position: “The more occupied territory Ukraine can liberate, the better cards it has at the negotiating table to achieve a just and lasting peace. “
On Saturday, a group of African heads of state led by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa held talks with Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin as part of a self-declared peace mission. The delegation had previously called on both sides to “de-escalate” in Kiev. “This war must end and there should be peace through negotiations,” Ramaphosa said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejects negotiations with Russia at this point in time.
“Ukraine’s future lies in NATO”
Regarding Ukraine’s NATO membership, Stoltenberg said: “Ukraine’s future lies in NATO, but the priority now is for Ukraine to assert itself as a sovereign and independent state – otherwise there is no way to discuss membership .” He added: “We must ensure that when this war ends, there are credible arrangements for the security of Ukraine, so that Russia cannot rearm and attack again and the cycle of Russian aggression is broken.”
Stoltenberg announced that the alliance would adopt a multi-year aid package at its Vilnius summit in July, designed to bring Ukraine up to NATO standards. Political connections are also to be intensified. “This will bring Ukraine closer to NATO,” said Stoltenberg.
praise for Germany
Immediately before his visit to Berlin next Monday and Tuesday, the NATO chief also praised Germany’s national security strategy, with which the federal government intends to locate its foreign and security policy actions. “Germany’s first national security strategy is an important document and proof of the turning point,” said Stoltenberg. “I welcome Germany’s clear commitment to meet NATO’s defense spending and capabilities goals and to build one of the strongest armed forces in Europe.”
In a “more dangerous and competitive world,” Stoltenberg added, investing in defense is vital to keep people safe. “At the NATO summit in Vilnius, we will agree on a more ambitious defense spending pledge, which will be at a minimum of 2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). German leadership remains essential for peace and security in the Euro-Atlantic region.”
According to the NATO chief, Germany’s arms deliveries to Ukraine are making “a real difference” and are helping the country liberate the cities “from the brutal Russian occupation”.