NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg spoke at the Brussels Forum event organized by the German Marshall Fund, one of the leading think tanks in Brussels.
Asked whether the war has facilitated Ukraine’s NATO membership, Stoltenberg said: “Both yes and no. I think everyone is aware that when Ukraine is in the middle of the war, joining NATO is not on our agenda. That’s not the point. It’s more about what happens when the war ends. ” he said.
Stating that the war brought Ukraine closer to NATO due to the support given to Ukraine, Stoltenberg said, “When we start pilot training, they use more and more NATO equipment, of course they get closer when it comes to how to operate different NATO systems. I hope we can agree on a multi-year program to help Ukraine transition from Soviet-era doctrines, equipment and standards to NATO.” he said.
Stating that the situation on the ground has become a “war of attrition”, Stoltenberg said, “Wars of attrition turn into logistical wars.” used the phrase.
Stoltenberg, “Should we give F-16s or tanks?” He emphasized that the issue of sustainable and effective functioning of all given systems should not be underestimated.