Stoltenberg: Fears major war between Russia and NATO

Jens Stoltenberg

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Published: Less than 2 hours ago  

Updated: Less than 2 hours ago  

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Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine may escalate and NATO may be drawn in.  

That is Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's biggest concern.  

- I fear a major war between Russia and NATO, he says to NRK.  

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg and Russian president Vladimir Putin are on opposite sides of the war.  

Stoltenberg, who was previously the Prime Minister of Norway, has met Putin in several contexts. 

He does not mince words when describing the Russian president recently.  

- What he is doing is unacceptable. He leads a military attack on another country. He is responsible for thousands of people being killed in a brutal war of aggression, Stoltenberg said in October. 

“Can go horribly wrong”  

Stoltenberg has now been interviewed in Anne Lindmos talk show ”Lindmo” which is broadcast on NRK.

There, Stoltenberg says that it is a time of destiny for Europe. - If it goes wrong, it can go horribly wrong, he says and further specifies that NATO works every day to prevent the war from escalating. 

Jens Stoltenberg. Photo: Olivier Matthys / AP 

Vladimir Putin. Photo: Mikhail Metzel/AP  

Stoltenberg is asked what he fears most this winter. 

- I fear that the war in Ukraine will get out of control and lead to a major war between NATO and Russia, says Stoltenberg and adds: 

- But I am convinced that we will avoid it.  

"Putin has underestimated our ability"  

The NATO chief emphasizes that the defense alliance has increased its presence in the eastern parts. Furthermore, Stoltenberg says that NATO is stronger than it has been in many years. 

- Not least Putin has underestimated our ability to protect and defend each other. As long as we do that, we are safe, says Stoltenberg.  

Stoltenberg and Putin have had personal contact with each other for over 20 years. He describes Putin in his early years. 

- When he became newly elected president in 2000, he was open to cooperating with the West. The latter Putin is much more aggressive and tells stories that are not