BERLIN (AA) - NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg addressed pressing issues concerning the stability of Kosovo and the ongoing Ukraine conflict in a recent interview with the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag.
"I want to make it clear that NATO forces are ready to preserve peace in Kosovo,” he said, expressing deep concern about the situation as he emphasized that NATO would not permit a return to violent conflicts that plagued the region in the 1990s.
His comments underscored NATO's commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region.
Stoltenberg stressed the importance of diplomatic efforts in resolving the Kosovo issue.
He called for Serbia and Kosovo to return to talks facilitated by the EU, emphasizing that this path is the only viable means to achieve lasting peace in the region.
Regarding the ongoing Ukraine conflict and Russia's recent rhetoric concerning the use of tactical nuclear weapons, Stoltenberg characterized Russia's nuclear threats as "completely irresponsible."
But he noted that the actual risk of Russia using nuclear weapons remained low.
Stoltenberg explained that Russia understands the futility of initiating a nuclear war, emphasizing that "a nuclear war can never be won and should never be initiated."
He reiterated that NATO continues to closely monitor Russia's activities and underscored the effectiveness of nuclear deterrence within the alliance in the past 75 years.
Addressing the anticipation of increased attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure by Russia during the winter months, Stoltenberg highlighted the importance of air defense systems to safeguard Ukrainian lives.
In his remarks on political developments in Eastern Europe, Stoltenberg noted the recent elections in Poland and government formation efforts in Slovakia.
He noted that Slovakia and Poland have been reliable supporters of Ukraine, providing crucial military equipment, including fighter aircraft to Kyiv.
He reassured that regardless of future governments in Bratislava and Warsaw, NATO allies would continue to stand together in support of Ukraine.