NATO: Wagner Incident Shows Ukraine War Was a Big Strategic Mistake

Stoltenberg visited the Lithuanian capital Vilnius, which will host the NATO Summit on July 11-12, and met with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda.

Speaking to the press with Nauseda, Stoltenberg said of the Wagner group’s rebellion against the Russian government: “The events that took place over the weekend are Russia’s internal affairs.” Stoltenberg said that Russia’s war against Ukraine was a strategic mistake.

Answering questions from reporters, Stoltenberg said: “What happened over the weekend is Russia’s internal affair, and this is another example showing that Russian President Putin’s illegal annexation of Crimea and the war against Ukraine are major strategic mistakes.” “As the Russian attacks continue, it becomes even more important that we continue to support Ukraine,” Stoltenberg said.

Referring to the Vilnius Summit, Stoltenberg said they will approve the long-term aid package for Ukraine, which is fighting Russia, during the summit, which will be attended by the leaders of 31 allied countries, saying: “We will increase our political ties with Ukraine. The decisions that are made will bring Ukraine closer to the alliance because Ukraine’s rightful place is in NATO. All Allies agree that the doors of NATO are open, that Ukraine will become a member, that only NATO and Ukraine will decide on membership, that Russia has no veto power. “When the war is over, we must make arrangements for Ukraine’s security so that history does not repeat itself,” he said.

Stoltenberg said that they closely followed the events in Belarus and condemned Russia’s deployment of nuclear weapons in this country, and that this was an irresponsible move.

“We do not see any indication that Russia will use nuclear weapons.” Stoltenberg said, emphasizing that they will remain vigilant.

Stating that action will be taken regarding NATO’s new regional security plans at the Vilnius Summit, Stoltenberg stated that under these plans, more than 300,000 soldiers will be at a high level of readiness and will be supported by maritime and air elements. .

“We also agreed on a new transformative air and missile defense model for the rapid transition from air patrol to air defense,” Stoltenberg said. (AGENCIES)