The head of the Alliance said that Ukraine needs continued support to have better negotiating positions in the future. However, NATO is not and will not be a party to the conflict.
The command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is making the right operational decisions, and the Ukrainian army is advancing, despite Russian resistance. This is what NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said during a visit, together with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, to the German Jagel airbase, where the Air Defender 2023 exercises are taking place, reports Ukrinform.
“We see that Ukraine is advancing, but the battle is very heavy with strong resistance from the Russians, who have established good defenses. But I am sure that the Ukrainian command is making the right operational decisions,” he said .
According to Stoltenberg, Ukraine needs continued support to liberate its territory and gain better negotiating positions in the future. However, NATO is not and will not be a party to the conflict.
The Secretary General of NATO also confirmed the start of training for Ukrainian pilots to fly 5th generation fighters and thanked the countries that joined it. He said that the deadlines for the transfer of the aircraft have not been fully accepted.
According to Stoltenberg, the Air Defender 2023 exercise is a clear signal of NATO’s determination and unity.
“We don’t want to provoke conflicts, we want to prevent them and we do it because of deterrence, especially through exercises,” he said.
The Secretary General of NATO added that Russia’s war against Ukraine testified to the important role of the air force and airspace protection in defense.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius praised the “highly motivated personnel” involved in the exercise. He said that due to the current security challenges, the exercises will be conducted more frequently.
Note that the Air Defender 2023 exercise is the largest in NATO history. They were attended by more than 250 aircraft and more than 10,000 military personnel from 25 countries.
Recall that NATO plans to deploy 300,000 troops. The Alliance will strengthen its eastern borders through the accumulation of equipment and military contingents.
Source: korrespondent
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