When launching the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin underestimated the strength and the bravery of the people of Ukraine and its armed forces.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said this at the meeting of the North Atlantic Council in Defence Ministers’ session, with invitees and the Defence Minister of Ukraine, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
“It is almost one year since Russia has launched its full-fledged invasion of Ukraine and illegal war of aggression, which has brought untold suffering to the people of Ukraine, shattered peace in Europe and affected people around the world through the food and energy crisis. President Putin made two big strategic mistakes. He underestimated the strength and the bravery of the people of Ukraine and its armed forces. And he underestimated the unity and resolve of NATO and partners,” Stoltenberg said.
According to him, NATO Allies are providing unprecedented support to Ukraine to help uphold its right of self-defence.
“And from the start, we have been working very closely with the European Union, determined to support Ukraine for as long as it takes. Today we will discuss our continued support which is essential to help Ukraine prevail as an independent sovereign state and to uphold the international rules-based order,” he said.
In addition, the NATO head conveyed condolences to all the victims of the earthquake in Türkiye.
As reported by Ukrinform, the Ukraine Defence Contact Group in the Ramstein format met in Brussels on February 14.
Source: Putin made two big strategic mistakes by invading Ukraine - Stoltenberg
