In an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine newspaper, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg admitted that the alliance could have done more to arm Ukraine and prevent Russia's all-out invasion in 2022. Stoltenberg expressed his regret that NATO had not provided military equipment to Ukraine before the war escalated, citing concerns over escalating tensions with Moscow.

Stoltenberg highlighted NATO's initial hesitation in providing weapons that Kyiv had requested prior to Russia's full-scale invasion, leading to a delay in support. However, following the outbreak of war, Ukraine, despite not being a NATO member, received continuous military assistance from its Western allies.

The outgoing NATO chief emphasized that ending the conflict in Ukraine would require diplomatic negotiations. Stoltenberg stated that dialogue with Russia would be necessary at a certain stage, but only when based on Ukrainian strength. He emphasized the importance of Ukraine's ability to assert itself in negotiations for a lasting resolution.

Jens Stoltenberg, a respected figure who has served as NATO's Secretary-General since 2014, will be stepping down from his position in October. He will be succeeded by former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Speculation has arisen regarding Stoltenberg taking over as head of the Munich Security Conference (MSC) after leaving NATO; however, he declined to confirm this in the interview. Stoltenberg mentioned that he has "many options" and plans to reside in Oslo after his tenure ends.

While Stoltenberg's acknowledgment reveals a retrospective evaluation of NATO's approach to the Ukrainian crisis, it also underscores the need for strategic foresight and collective defense measures. As NATO looks towards the future, the alliance will continue to prioritize the protection of its member countries and address the evolving security challenges in the Euro-Atlantic region.