Ending war in Ukraine won’t improve Russia-NATO relations, Stoltenberg says
Jens Stoltenberg (Photo:Lehtikuva/Heikki Saukkomaa via REUTERS)
Even after the war in Ukraine concludes, relations between Russia and NATO will not recover, NATO press service said on Feb. 28, quoting Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
According to Stoltenberg, “there is no going back” on this issue.
“We have to recognize that the end of this war will not be a return to normal in our relations with Russia,” the official said.
“There is no going back. In a more dangerous world, we can no longer afford to treat defense as optional. It is a necessity.”
He added that NATO will continue building up its defense and deterrence capability, after the post-cold war hopes of détente with Russia have been shattered by Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.
“President Putin chose to walk away from cooperation and dialogue, he has left a trail of broken promises, shattered fundamental principles of global security, attacking neighboring countries, and tried to undermine our own democracies,” the press release quotes Stoltenberg.
The secretary concluded by saying that Putin’s recent decision to suspend participation in the New START nuclear arms reduction treaty with the United States serves as the latest example of Russia’s disregard for international order.
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