NATO has cautioned that Western countries must be prepared to continue providing support to Ukraine as the war is expected to extend over several years.
In a meeting with the military alliance’s defense ministers, NATO’s secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg emphasized the high price of war and the even greater cost of allowing Moscow to achieve its military objectives with Ukraine.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also warned of a prolonged conflict.
Stoltenberg and Boris Johnson suggested that increasing the supply of weapons would improve Ukraine’s chances of victory.
“We should be ready for the possibility that this could be a long-lasting struggle. We need to continue supporting Ukraine,” stated the Nato chief in an interview with the German newspaper Bild.
“Even though the costs are significant, not just for military assistance but also due to escalating energy and food prices.”
The head of the Western military alliance further added that providing Ukraine with more advanced weaponry would enhance its ability to regain control of the eastern Donbas region, which is currently under Russian control.
In an article for the Sunday Times, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of initiating a “campaign of attrition” and attempting to weaken Ukraine through sheer brutality.
“I’m afraid we must prepare ourselves for a protracted war,” he stated. “Time is of the essence. The outcome will hinge on Ukraine’s capacity to bolster its defense capabilities faster than Russia’s ability to replenish its offensive capacities.”
Following his visit to the Ukrainian capital on Friday, June 17, the Prime Minister underscored the necessity for the provision of weaponry, equipment, ammunition, and training to Kyiv in order to outpace Moscow’s efforts to rearm itself.
