Stoltenberg urged not to let Putin win in Ukraine

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said that the West cannot allow Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin to win the war against Ukraine as this would mean new aggression and even more violence. Stoltenberg said this in an interview with Welt, commenting on Germany's decision to hand over another Patriot system to Ukraine amid a possible increase in Russia's attacks on the Ukrainian energy system with the arrival of cold weather.

I welcome Germany's announcement that it will send Ukraine another Patriot air defence system," he said.

He stressed: a powerful air defence system in conditions when Russia can again launch massive strikes on Ukraine's energy system at any moment ahead of winter is crucial for saving the lives of Ukrainians.

We can expect more Russian attacks on the Ukrainian energy system. Air defence is crucial for saving Ukrainian lives," the NATO secretary-general stressed.

He pointed out that the risks of escalation feared by some European countries pale against the background of the threats the world would face if Russia wins in Ukraine.

If Putin wins the war in Ukraine, he is likely to resort to violence again," Stoltenberg emphasised.

At the same time, he spoke out about the permanent threats to use nuclear weapons that are heard from Moscow. Stoltenberg doubts that these threats will be realised.