NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg: Russia is trying to freeze the conflict in Ukraine

NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg connected to the event organized by the Financial Times (FT) via videoconference.

Speaking to FT editor Roula Khalaf, Stoltenberg stressed the importance of NATO allies continuing to support Ukraine, according to a written NATO statement.

Stoltenberg said the conflict would likely enter a calmer phase over the winter, but Russia showed no signs of ending the conflict peacefully.

Referring to Ukraine’s progress on the ground, Stoltenberg said: “Russia is trying to freeze the conflict to rally its forces and then launch a big offensive.” he said.

Stoltenberg reiterated that Ukraine will decide the timing and content of any negotiations with Russia.

“The more we want a peaceful solution, the more urgent it is for us to provide military support to Ukraine,” the NATO secretary general said. he said. (AA)