Commander-in-Chief of NATO forces in Europe told how the war in Ukraine changed the alliance
General Cavoli stressed that the war in Ukraine was a challenge to NATO’s collective security, but the alliance was able to respond quickly by strengthening its eastern flank.
General Christopher Cavoli, Commander-in-Chief of the NATO Joint Armed Forces in Europe, with whom Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valery Zaluzhny had a conversation on March 29, urged to continue to support Ukraine until victory and prevent Russian success.
“We must continue to support the potential of the Ukrainians so that they win. Russia cannot emerge from this war with a victory, our future simply cannot stand it,” he said during a speech in Berlin on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Marshall Plan. America”.
He added that the United States and the EU train Ukrainians on a daily basis both within the framework of bilateral programs and within the framework of EU military assistance.
“Today, more than 11,000 Ukrainian soldiers are undergoing collective training with us, in different places throughout Europe. These soldiers will be able to influence the situation (on the battlefield),” the American general said.
Cavoli stressed that the war in Ukraine was a challenge to NATO’s collective security, but the alliance was able to respond quickly by strengthening its eastern flank.
“In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the NATO alliance has created a large and powerful military structure on the eastern flank. Now I have over 40,000 troops under my command, and another 200,000 troops that countries have brought to readiness in case I need them. We have almost 100 aircraft that are patrolling the airspace now, almost 100 ships that control the situation on the water,” said the commander-in-chief of NATO forces in Europe.
He paid tribute to the cohesion and unity shown by the alliance after the Russian invasion.
“Allies and partners stepped up to protect the values of freedom and democracy, they put the interests of Ukraine even above their own interests,” General Cavoli said.
War in Ukraine: latest NATO statements
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is not planning peace in Ukraine and is waging a war of attrition. According to him, the fighting in Bakhmut demonstrates that even for the sake of minimal gain, Russia is ready to abandon thousands of troops.
In early March, Stoltenberg also stressed that NATO would continue to support Ukraine in the war with the Russian Federation. The Alliance will provide our state with everything it needs.