Stoltenberg calls for Ukraine’s military support for peace
NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg held a press conference at the end of the first day of the NATO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Bucharest, the capital of Romania.
Stressing that support for Ukraine will continue as long as it is needed in its war with Russia, Stoltenberg accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of trying to use winter as a weapon to freeze Ukrainians or force them to flee.
“However, our meeting in Bucharest sends the message that NATO will stand together and continue to support Ukraine,” Stoltenberg said. he said.
Stating that the allies have today committed to NATO’s Comprehensive Aid Package for Ukraine, Stoltenberg said that in this way, non-weapons aid such as fuel, winter clothing, signal mixers and generators will be financed. against infrastructure problems caused by Russia’s attacks on energy. infrastructure in Ukraine stated that it would.
“MILITARY SUPPORT FOR PEACE”
Answering the question about how the war between Russia and Ukraine will end and how peace will be achieved, Stoltenberg said:
“Peace will not be permanent if autocracy and oppression prevail over democracy and freedom. Everyone wants peace, but we must ensure that the aggressor does not succeed. Here, Russia is occupying a country, violating its territorial integrity. Not only that, we see repeated attacks against civilians. Attacks on electricity and gas networks affect almost all civilians, not just the armed forces. Using winter as a weapon is a brutal method of warfare. Wars end at the peace table. But what happens at the peace table depends on what happens on the battlefield. This may seem like a contradiction, but the reality is that for a lasting peace, Ukraine must have military support.”
Responding to the question why Patriot air defense systems were not supplied to Ukraine, Stoltenberg said that various forms of contacts, such as the Ramstein format, were being made regarding support, and the Patriot issue was also discussed within this framework. However, Stoltenberg did not answer if these systems will be given.
NATO MEMBERSHIP OF UKRAINE
Stoltenberg said that at today’s meeting of the ministers, they also discussed Ukraine’s application to join NATO.
“The Foreign Ministers reaffirmed NATO’s support for Ukraine’s right to choose its own path. We understand and respect Ukraine’s membership aspirations.” Stoltenberg noted that his current focus is to support Ukraine’s self-defense against Russia.
REQUESTS FROM SWEDEN AND FINLAND
Recalling that all NATO allies have invited Finland and Sweden to become members, and that accession protocols have been approved in 28 countries, Stoltenberg said the membership of the two countries would strengthen the alliance.
Stoltenberg explained that the two countries implemented the triple memorandum signed in Madrid with Turkey, for example, Sweden made a constitutional amendment, toughened anti-terrorism law, some people were deported and restrictions on arms exports to Turkey were lifted.
Stating that all this is important not only for Turkey but also for all allies, and that terrorism and organized crime are seen in other countries, Stoltenberg continued as follows:
“Swedish courts can decide when it comes to individual extradition or deportation decisions. This is the rule of law. Politicians decide the laws. Ultimately, the decision to deport someone from Sweden requires proof in court. This is how things work in democratic countries where there is the rule of law and an independent judiciary.” (AA)