NATO chief: Strikes deep in Russia's rear are the only way to really defend Ukraine

The only way Ukraine can defend itself is to strike military bases, artillery, missile launchers and airfields on Russian territory, which it uses almost daily for attacks. This was emphasized by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in an interview with the American magazine Foreign Policy.

"There is no doubt that Ukraine has the right to strike legitimate targets on Russian territory. We must remember that this is a war of aggression that Russia has launched against its neighbor Ukraine. This war is of Russia's choice. This is a gross violation of international law. According to him, Ukraine has the right to self-defense, and that includes striking targets on the territory of the aggressor, which in this case is Russia,”, explained the Norwegian.

Stoltenberg added that he supports easing restrictions on the use of Western weapons to strike targets deep inside Russian territory.

Responding to a question about the risk of escalation and "red lines” of Russia, he emphasized that NATO has the right to support Ukraine without becoming a party to the conflict.

"Secondly, he (Putin – ed.) threatened in the same way several times. This is a war he decided to start. And he can very easily de-escalate it by stopping his attacks on his neighbor. He can stop the war tomorrow. This is the best way to end this war”, the NATO Secretary General expressed confidence.

In his words, Putin's nuclear rhetoric is reckless and dangerous.

"He must know, and we have made it clear to him time and time again, that a nuclear war cannot be won and must not be fought. We are watching very carefully what Russia is doing. So far, we have not noticed a change in its nuclear position, which would require any changes on our part,”, Stoltenberg stressed.

At the same time, he added that Ukraine has made significant progress on the path to NATO membership: "Ukraine's path to membership is irreversible. There can be no stability, peace and security in Europe without peace and stability in Ukraine. And in the long run, there can be no peace and security in Ukraine unless Ukraine becomes a NATO ally. That's why we move forward. But, of course, there can be no invitation to Ukraine until all allies agree. This requires a consensus, and we don't have it yet“, the Secretary General of the Alliance admitted.