Stoltenberg: expansion of assistance to Ukraine is impossible without the risk of escalation

Expanding NATO assistance to Ukraine carries risks of escalation, but a Russian victory carries far greater risks. This statement was made by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at an international conference in Helsinki.

“Some fear that aid to Ukraine carries risks of escalation. I will say that since the beginning of the conflict, there are no risk-free options, but a Russian victory carries a much greater risk, which will confirm that the use of force can bring a political result, ”said Stoltenberg (quote according to TASS).

He stressed that NATO countries will continue to support Ukraine. At the same time, the Secretary General called Ukraine’s entry into the alliance “a distant prospect.” According to him, now NATO’s efforts are aimed at ensuring that Ukraine wins the conflict “as a sovereign and independent state.”

Russia’s special operation in Ukraine began on February 24, 2022. President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin called the protection of the inhabitants of Donbass, as well as the demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine, its goals. After the outbreak of hostilities in Ukraine, Western countries imposed large-scale sanctions against the Russian Federation and began to provide military assistance to Kyiv.

Earlier, the Russian authorities have repeatedly accused Western countries of escalating the situation in Ukraine. At the end of January, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated about “raising rates” and “provocative incitement” by the West in connection with plans to supply tanks to Ukraine. On February 16, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Sergey Ryabkov notedthat Russia makes decisions rationally, while at the same time, Washington “drives the situation to a standstill” and provokes “unbridled escalation.”

On February 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin during his address to the Federal Assembly declaredthat the West is seeking to move the local conflict in Ukraine into a phase of global confrontation. According to him, the goal is to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia.