Stoltenberg, who is in the USA to hold a series of contacts, including his meeting with US President Joe Biden, spoke to CNN.
Pointing out that the counterattack launched by Ukraine against Russia would be “challenging”, Stoltenberg said that “the more land the Ukrainians acquire, the more Russian President Putin understands that he must sit at the negotiating table and accept a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.” as likely as possible,” he said.
In an interview with USA Today, Jens Stoltenberg stated that Ukraine “gain ground” by taking 7 small towns and villages in the counterattack launched against Russia.
MEMBERSHIP OF SWEDEN
The NATO Secretary General shared the view that he is confident that Sweden will become a full member of the alliance, while answering CNN’s questions about Sweden’s membership in the alliance.
Stoltenberg stated that he met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a few days ago and they agreed on the meeting of the Permanent Joint Mechanism established in accordance with the Tripartite Agreement.
Stating that the Permanent Joint Mechanism meeting will be held in Ankara this week, Stoltenberg said that Sweden’s membership to NATO will be discussed.
Stoltenberg, arguing that Sweden fulfilled its commitments, stated that they increased their efforts to work with Turkey on the fight against terrorism and drew attention to the new legal regulation in the country.
In this context, Stoltenberg stated that the accused, who collected extortion for the terrorist organization PKK/YPG in Sweden, was put on trial for the crimes of “financing terrorism”, “attempted extortion” and “armed attack”. It shows that Sweden is ready to be ratified as a member.” said.
When asked about the election of the next NATO Secretary General, he said, “I am responsible for almost all decisions in NATO, except for one, and that is how my successor will be chosen.” Responding to this, Stoltenberg added that it will be decided by the alliance members.
ALSO MEETS WITH BLINKEN
The duo met in Washington as part of Stoltenberg’s official visit and made statements to the press.
Blinken thanked Stoltenberg for his leadership during “the most critical period in the Alliance’s history”, pointing out that the NATO Vilnius Summit to be held next month will be an important turning point.
Expressing that at the summit, the Allies will confirm their commitment to NATO’s 5th article, Blinken said that their defense capacities are also expected to be increased.
Blinken stated that some of the plans designed within the framework of NATO’s Strategic Concept will also be operational, and that he foresees a support package for Ukraine at the summit.
Emphasizing that the relations with the Pacific will also be improved, Blinken said, “After a very important and I think necessary process to solve the problems of the Allies, I think it’s time for Sweden to join the Alliance as well.” he said.
NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg thanked the USA for its support to the Alliance and Ukraine, and underlined that the European allies do their part and provide billions of dollars of economic and military support to Ukraine.
Stating that the support provided to Ukraine makes a difference on the field and that Kiev has made progress on the field, Stoltenberg said, “The more territory Ukraine saves on the ground, the stronger its hand will be at the negotiating table, and Russian President (Vladimir) Putin said that he will not be victorious in this conflict and aggressive war. understands.” used the phrase.
Jens Stoltenberg also drew attention to the need for the allies to invest more in the common defense and said, “We expect Sweden to join the Alliance as a full member as soon as possible.” said.
