NATO Secretary General in New York: a peaceful Europe needs a stable Ukraine
Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg wrapped up his visit to New York after attending the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday (27 September 2024). During his trip, he emphasised the importance of continued support to Ukraine, the value of the NATO Alliance, and the benefits of strengthening global partnerships.
On Thursday (26 September), the Secretary General spoke at the Council on Foreign Relations. Reacting to Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine, he called Moscow’s rhetoric “dangerous and reckless” and said Russia, “cannot coerce us from supporting Ukraine.” He noted that NATO Allies continue to deliver unprecedented military support to Ukraine and that NATO is playing a critical role including through the command agreed at the Washington Summit in July. Mr Stoltenberg said: “If you want a peaceful Europe, you need a stable Ukraine. He outlined that ensuring peace for Ukraine means providing military support and credible security guarantees, noting that the most credible guarantee is NATO’s Article 5.
The Secretary General reflected on how the Alliance has been strengthening its defences since Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, including with more battlegroups and high-readiness troops on the eastern flank, and increased defence investments. On partnerships, Mr. Stoltenberg highlighted that, faced with global challenges – such as terrorism, cyber-attacks and growing competition with China – it is essential to work ever more closely with partners that share our values, including in the Indo-Pacific.
While in New York, Mr Stoltenberg attended a commemorative event marking the 20th anniversary of the NATO-Istanbul Cooperation Initiative. He also met leaders and senior officials including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Crown Prince of Kuwait His Highness Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Sabah, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani and Chairman of US Defense Secretary’s Defense Innovation Board Mike Bloomberg. On Monday (23 September), the Secretary General was awarded the Concordia Leadership Award at their Annual Summit.