Balkans | Stoltenberg: “(Sending additional forces to Kosovo) does not mean that NATO has given up on a political solution”

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the decision to send additional forces to Kosovo does not mean that NATO has given up on a political solution, and that the decision aims to ease tensions.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, He was speaking at the entrance to the informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Oslo, Norway.

Asked by an APS reporter if NATO sending 700 additional troops to Kosovo and keeping a battalion ready means that the alliance has concerns about the conflict spreading to Europe, Stoltenberg said, “This does not mean that NATO has given up on a political solution.” He gave. The answer.

Jens Stoltenberg stated that they had sent troops to ease tensions in northern Kosovo and confirmed that a battalion was ready in case the situation worsened.

Ukraine

Noting that the meeting’s agenda included the long-term support to be given to Ukraine and that country’s goals with regard to NATO membership, Stoltenberg continued as follows:

When the war ends, we must ensure that history does not repeat itself. We must make sure that this Russian aggression against Ukraine stops. Therefore, we need frameworks that will ensure the security of Ukraine after the end of the war. I hope that at today’s meeting we will discuss long-term support for Ukraine. I hope that later at the Vilnius Summit we will agree on a long-term plan and a multi-year commitment to support Ukraine.”

Asked about Ukraine’s membership, Stoltenberg said, “I am confident we will find consensus and a way forward. Currently, our informal discussions are at a good level. We agree on some key messages. Last year, we all agreed that Ukraine would become a member of this Alliance. As Ukraine moves towards NATO, we are taking joint concrete steps. They are moving from Soviet standards to NATO standards, and we are helping them to do this. ” She answered.

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