NATO discusses future of Russia’s war in Ukraine with allies

NATO's outgoing chief, Jens Stoltenberg, emphasizes the alliance's right to support Ukraine in its self-defense against Russia's aggression. He highlights the significant military aid that Russia receives from authoritarian regimes, particularly China, North Korea, and Iran, which are supplying critical components for Russia's military operations. Stoltenberg argues that the narrative presented by Russian President Vladimir Putin, claiming NATO's involvement in the conflict, is misleading. He insists that NATO is not a party to the war but has the right to assist Ukraine. Furthermore, he acknowledges concerns about NATO potentially being overstretched due to global threats beyond Europe, advocating for a transparent approach to inform political decisions and public understanding. The situation in Ukraine illustrates that security challenges are not confined to regional boundaries, necessitating a global perspective in NATO's strategy. Stoltenberg reflects on past military engagements, such as in Afghanistan, suggesting that while intervention was justified, the scale was excessive for both NATO and the international community. He refrains from discussing his future plans after his tenure at NATO, focusing instead on the current challenges facing the alliance.