Janice R. Andrews
Jens Stoltenberg, the outgoing NATO Secretary General, has recognized a critical oversight in the alliance’s approach to Ukraine prior to Russia’s 2022 invasion. In a candid discussion with the Financial Times, Stoltenberg suggested that a more proactive stance on arming Ukraine might have deterred the outbreak of war.
“I accept my share of responsibility,” Stoltenberg stated, reflecting on NATO’s pre-invasion strategy. While he expressed pride in the alliance’s post-invasion response, he acknowledged that earlier action could have altered the course of events. The former Norwegian prime minister emphasized the need for providing more sophisticated weaponry to Ukraine at an earlier stage.
Stoltenberg expressed remorse for not anticipating Russia’s military campaign and the consequent failure to strengthen Ukraine’s military capabilities in the critical period leading up to the invasion. “My main regret is that we didn’t offer Ukraine more substantial military aid sooner,” he remarked.
He further noted that even after the conflict began, NATO’s support, though significant, could have been more swift and comprehensive. “Post-invasion, we should have supplied them with more advanced weapons more quickly,” Stoltenberg explained.
This frank admission comes as NATO continues to refine its role in supporting Ukraine throughout the ongoing Russian conflict.
