Russia-Ukraine can last for decades – NATO chief

NATO must prepare for a confrontation with Russia that could last for decades, so the allies must build up their defense industry, says Jens Stoltenberg to Welt.

The chief said that NATO should prepare for a confrontation with Russia as soon as possible.

"NATO is not looking for war with Russia. But we must prepare for a confrontation that could last for decades."

The allies need to expand their defense industry faster.

NATO chief believes that if Vladimir Putin wins in Ukraine, there is no guarantee that Russian aggression will not spread to other countries.

"Deterrence only works if it is credible."

Stoltenberg believes that in order to deter Russian aggression, it is necessary to continue to support Ukraine and invest in NATO's military capabilities.

"We need to quickly restore and expand our industrial base so that we can increase supplies to Ukraine and replenish our own reserves."

He called on NATO allies to increase arms production and the number of orders for European defense companies, as in market economies, arms manufacturers need signed contracts to be able to increase production.

"This means moving from slow production in peacetime to fast production, as is necessary in times of conflict."

The NATO chief also warned that Putin was preparing his country's economy for a long war.

In recent weeks, a number of European NATO countries have also warned of the risk of Russian aggression in the near future.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said in January that the Alliance should prepare for a Russian attack on a NATO country within 5-8 years.

The Swedish AF chief Mikael Büden, and the Minister of Civil Defense, Carl-Oscar Bolin, said that all citizens of the country should be prepared for war.

Norwegian army chief called for not wasting the "window of opportunity" to prepare for a potential direct confrontation with Russia, as this time may end in a few years.