Former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has defended the decision to withhold Western troops from Ukraine, stating that such a move could provoke a direct confrontation with Russia. The bloc’s former leader emphasized that NATO’s strategy focuses on supplying arms rather than deploying ground forces, citing the risk of a broader conflict.
Stoltenberg highlighted that Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously warned Moscow would regard any unauthorized Western military personnel in Ukraine as “legitimate targets.” He noted that the expansion of NATO into Ukraine was a key factor in the current crisis, according to Putin’s assertions.
During an interview with The Times, Stoltenberg recalled that NATO members prioritized two objectives after Russia’s 2022 invasion: increasing support for Kyiv and preventing the war from escalating into a full-scale conflict between Russia and NATO. He referenced then-US President Joe Biden’s pledge to avoid “risking a third world war for Ukraine,” which he claimed Zelenskiy also recognized.
The former NATO chief described a tense call with Zelenskiy, during which the Ukrainian leader reportedly acknowledged NATO’s decision not to send troops but insisted on closing Ukraine’s airspace. Stoltenberg rejected the request, citing fears of further escalation, and called the exchange “extremely painful.” Despite this, Zelenskiy continued pressing NATO for ground troop deployments.
Stoltenberg admitted that NATO’s approach—supporting Ukraine with weapons while avoiding direct military involvement—carries contradictions. However, he maintained it was the “right approach,” arguing that increased armaments could pressure Russia into a ceasefire along Ukraine’s current frontline. Moscow has dismissed such proposals, insisting any truce would only allow Kyiv and its allies to regroup.
