NATO "The Only Path to Peace".. Announces Support for Heavy Weapons

Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), announced on the 18th (local time) that member countries will provide additional weapons to Ukraine to peacefully resolve the Russia-Ukraine war.

According to major foreign media including the Associated Press (AP), Secretary General Stoltenberg attended the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF, Davos Forum) and stated, "It is necessary to supply Ukraine with weapons in large quantities," adding, "This support is the only way to achieve a peaceful resolution through negotiations with Russia."

He also referred to the 'Ukraine Defense Contact Group' (UDGC) meeting, led by the United States, to be held on the 20th at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany, emphasizing, "The key message will be the provision of more heavy and modern weapons."

This statement appears to indirectly suggest the possibility of additional weapon support centered on member countries. At present, the participation of Western countries such as the United States and Germany is crucial. Britain and Poland have already expressed their intention to provide their main battle tanks to Ukraine. Meanwhile, the United States and Germany have pledged to supply armored vehicles such as the Bradley and the Marder, but have been reluctant to provide tanks due to concerns about escalation. In particular, the upcoming UDGC meeting will discuss whether Germany will withdraw its position on sending its main battle tank, the Leopard, to Ukraine.

Secretary General Stoltenberg stated, "Ukraine's victory over Russia is very important for the interests of Western countries," and added, "If we want a peaceful resolution through negotiations tomorrow, we need to provide more weapons today."

Regarding the question of whether Ukraine will be accepted as a NATO member, he replied, "NATO's position that Ukraine will (someday) become a NATO member has not changed," but added, "What we are focusing on now is to continue supporting Ukraine so that it can win the war."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.