NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin tried to use the winter as a weapon against Ukraine and said he expects Ukraine to continue attacking its electricity grid and natural gas infrastructure. “We can’t let Putin win,” Stoltenberg said.
Stoltenberg held a joint press conference with Romanian President Klaus Iohannis ahead of the NATO Foreign Ministers meeting to be held in Bucharest, Romania, on 29-30 November 2022.
“WE CAN’T LET PUTIN EAT”
Stating that the foreign ministers will discuss possible ways to support Ukraine, Stoltenberg said, “We cannot let Putin be defeated. This sends the message that goals can be achieved by force.” he said.
“MAN WILL USE AS A WEAPON OF WAR”
Stating that it is likely that Russia will continue to attack Ukraine’s electricity grid, natural gas and basic services infrastructure, Stoltenberg said, “The fact that it does this when we enter winter shows that President Putin is currently trying to use winter as a weapon of war against Ukraine.” made its assessment.
NATO Secretary General stated that the foreign ministers will also discuss the aid to be provided to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia and Moldova under pressure from Russia at the two-day meeting.
“NEED FOR CONCRETE PLANS”
President Iohannis underlined that his country will continue to make significant contributions to NATO’s collective defense.
Stating that NATO and allied countries have deployed significant forces in Romania, Iohannis stated that Romania currently hosts approximately 5,000 allied soldiers.
Asked by a journalist, Iohannis said, “A large number of allied troops are needed, but it is not enough. Equipment, or rather pre-positioned equipment, is needed to provide solid deterrence and defense.” said.
Describing the decisions taken at the Madrid Summit as “quite general”, Iohannis said, “It is necessary to know very clearly which troops will be sent in case of an attack. Concrete plans are needed. We cannot leave such decisions to the last minute.” he said.
