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NATO’s Jens Stoltenberg Defends Germany‘s Olaf Scholz from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy‘s Criticism

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has weighed in on the escalating tension between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, suggesting that Zelenskyy’s criticism of Scholz is unwarranted. In an interview with Dutch news outlet DP, excerpts of which were published by Spiegel and reported by Eurointegration, Stoltenberg praised Scholz’s support for Ukraine.

"Zelenskyy should stop criticizing Scholz. I think it’s unfair," Stoltenberg said. He went on to commend Scholz’s role in making Germany the second-largest provider of military aid to Ukraine, after the U.S.

However, Stoltenberg hinted at a differing stance on weapons supply, suggesting he would provide Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles and not impose restrictions on their use. "We know how crucial such capabilities are for Ukraine," he said, but added that it’s up to allies to decide what they should supply.

Tensions between Zelenskyy and Scholz have recently escalated, with Zelenskyy publicly expressing dissatisfaction over Scholz’s conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Germany’s refusal to supply Taurus cruise missiles. Scholz has consistently refused to provide long-range weapons, citing a desire to avoid escalation.

Earlier, the Social Democratic Party of Germany, to which Scholz belongs, indicated that its pre-election program could highlight the decision to withhold Taurus missiles from Ukraine.

Headline: U.S. Official: Ukraine‘s NATO Membership Crucial for Security Post-Conflict

Subhead: While challenging, achieving NATO membership is vital for Ukraine’s post-war security, says U.S. official.

Article:

In a significant statement that underscores the U.S.’s commitment to Ukraine’s security, a top White House official has reiterated the importance of Ukraine’s integration into NATO. Michael Carpenter, the Director for Europe in the U.S. National Security Council, emphasized that Ukraine’s membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is essential for ensuring peace and stability in the region.

During a interview aired on Sunday, December 22, Carpenter noted that Ukraine’s war-torn status currently presents a hurdle to its NATO aspirations. But once hostilities cease, he suggested, Ukraine’s membership should be prioritized due to the ironclad protection Article 5 of the NATO treaty offers.

"Article 5 is the most reliable, safe form of guarantees that states can have," Carpenter said. "Gaining it is crucial for Ukraine."

Achieving this, Carpenter acknowledged, will require significant political will from all 32 NATO member states. It will also necessitate a stable, post-conflict environment in Ukraine.

While awaiting Ukraine’s full integration into NATO, Carpenter echoed calls for a European military mission to guarantee peace and deter further Russian aggression. He endorsed the idea of a European mission that would bolster Ukraine’s security and ensure Russia adheres to any future peace agreements.

Carpenter’s statements align with the U.S.’s ongoing support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as its commitment to maintaining security and stability in Eastern Europe.

Originally published at Correspondent.net.

Internal Linking: [Understanding NATO’s Article 5](https://www.correspondent.net Tags for SEO:

Title: NATO Membership and EU Peacekeeping Mission: Ukraine‘s Path to Security

Ukraine’s pursuit of NATO membership as a guarantor of national security remains a strategic priority, with NATO’s Article 5 considered the most reliable and robust form of security assurance, as emphasized by NATO’s supreme allied commander in Europe, General Tod D. Wolters. However, the current state of war in Ukraine presents significant challenges to this goal, with General Wolters asserting that NATO membership may only be feasible once active hostilities cease.

Meanwhile, discussions on a potential United Nations or EU-led peacekeeping mission in Ukraine continue, with France’s President Emmanuel Macron proposing a European military presence in Ukraine in case the conflict freezes. Italy has expressed support for such a mission, with its defense and foreign ministers stressing the importance of providing Ukraine with solid security guarantees. According to a Reuters report, Western nations could dispatch as many as 20,000 peacekeeping troops to Ukraine.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has endorsed France’s peacekeeping initiative, urging international partners to join these efforts. As the war between Russia and Ukraine escalates, stay informed with the latest updates on RBC-Ukraine’s Telegram channel.

article-keywords: Ukraine, NATO, Membership, Security, Article 5, Peacekeeping Mission, EU, War, Russia, Zelensky, Macron

On December 12, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg revealed at a speech in Brussels that the death toll from the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war, which began in February 2022, has surpassed one million, including both fatalities and injuries. He further detailed that every week over 10,000 people are being killed or wounded, with Russia’s losses reaching around 700,000. Stoltenberg emphasized that Putin’s aggression is not a new tactic, but NATO had been too slow to respond. He warned that NATO needs to transition to a wartime mindset with increased defense spending, as they prepare for upcoming challenges from Russia. Prior to this, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that over 43,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed and 370,000 injured. Meanwhile, he estimated Russian losses to be over 750,000, with nearly 200,000 killed and over 550,000 wounded.

Title: NATO Secretary General Speaks Out on Casualties in Russia-Ukraine War

The Secretary General of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, has recently commented on the escalating Russia-Ukraine conflict, placing a stark emphasis on the devastating human cost of the war. In an interview with a major news outlet, Stoltenberg stated that the number of casualties, both military and civilian, has surpassed one million, a figure that he described as "staggering" and "a tragedy on an unfathomable scale."

A Million Lives Lost

Stoltenberg’s estimate, while shocking, is not an official NATO figure but rather an aggregate of various sources, including Ukrainian government data, international organizations, and independent reports. The actual number of casualties is difficult to pin down due to the ongoing nature of the conflict and challenges in accessing wartorn areas. However, the United Nations estimates that over 8,000 civilians have been killed since the war began in late February 2022, and millions more have been displaced.

"One million is a round number, a rough estimate, but it highlights the sheer scale of the loss and suffering," Stoltenberg said. "This is not just about numbers. Each one of these casualties is a person, a family, a community torn apart."

Military and Civilian Casualties

Stoltenberg’s figure includes both military and civilian casualties. On the military side, Ukraine’s armed forces have reported significant losses, with estimates ranging from 100,000 to over 200,000 killed or wounded. Russian military casualties are also believed to be high, although Moscow has been less transparent about its losses.

Civilian casualties, while not as high in number as military ones, are a grim reminder of the human toll of the war. The UN has documented well over 8,000 civilian deaths, but the actual number is believed to be higher due to challenges in verification. Moreover, countless more civilians have been injured, many left with lifelong disabilities and mental trauma.

Impact on NATO and the War

The grim estimate of casualties has not only underscored the brutal nature of the conflict but also its impact on NATO’s stance. The alliance has been vocal in its support of Ukraine, providing substantial military and humanitarian aid. Stoltenberg has noted that the human cost is a driving factor in NATO’s response.

"We see the images, we hear the stories, and we know that we must do everything we can to help Ukraine defend itself and to support the people who are suffering," Stoltenberg said.

The Secretary General’s comments also comes amidst ongoing debates about the war’s potential impact on global security, with some expressing concern that it could escalate into a broader conflict involving NATO.

Looking Ahead

As the war grinds on, the focus remains on supporting Ukraine and preventing further civilian suffering. Stoltenberg has called on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and to allow unhindered access for humanitarian aid.

"Every life lost is a tragedy," Stoltenberg said. "We must not forget the human cost of this war, and we must do everything we can to bring it to an end."

An expert believes that to end the war in Ukraine, various formats must be developed, including clear security guarantees from Western countries. While scenarios like dividing Ukraine (“Korean scenario”) are being considered, Ukraine needs firm assurances to prevent future conflicts. The expert, Maxym Yali, suggested that diplomatic agreements similar to those between the U.S. and South Korea or Israel could serve as reliable security guarantees. Other options mentioned include deploying a UN-mandated peacekeeping force or a foreign military contingent along the contact line, along with continued weapons supplies to Ukraine.

Title: The End of the War in Ukraine: Security Guarantees in a Korean-Style Scenario

A peace deal in Ukraine, a scenario reminiscent of the Korean Peninsula’s division, would require robust security guarantees to ensure long-term stability and prevent future aggression. Here’s how a Korean-style scenario could play out, and the security guarantees that might be necessary.

The Korean Analogy

The division of Korea into North and South in 1953, following the Korean War, provides a fascinating analogy. The armistice, signed by North Korea, China, and the United Nations Command, ended the fighting but did not formally end the war. A similar scenario in Ukraine, where Russia withdraws its military but does not officially end the conflict, could lead to a tense, prolonged standoff.

Required Security Guarantees

1. International Recognition and Monitoring

   In the Korean scenario, the demilitarized zone (DMZ) is monitored by the United Nations Command. In Ukraine, an international presence would be crucial to verify Russia’s withdrawal, prevent further aggression, and monitor the border. This could involve a UN peacekeeping mission or an Observer Mission, similar to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) mission in Ukraine.

2. Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty

   Ukraine would need ironclad guarantees of its territorial integrity and sovereignty, akin to the commitment made by the U.S. and South Korea to each other’s defense. This could take the form of a collective defense clause in a peace agreement, involving NATO or other regional powers.

3. Nuclear-Free and Non-Aggression Clauses

   North Korea pledged to abandon its nuclear program as part of the 1994 Agreed Framework, although it later reneged. In Ukraine, a guarantee of nuclear disarmament in exchange for security guarantees could be on the table. Russia would also need to sign a non-aggression pact, committed to refraining from any military action against Ukraine.

4. Economic Incentives and Integration

   Economic assistance and integration with international institutions can foster peace. In the Korean context, South Korea’s economic success has been crucial for maintaining peace. For Ukraine, this could involve EU integration, economic assistance, and cooperation with international financial institutions.

5. Diplomatic Recognition and Normalization of Ties

   Formal diplomatic recognition of the post-war status quo is crucial. This would involve Russia acknowledging Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and both sides committing to normalize their relations.

Challenges and Uncertainties

The Korean analogy is not perfect. The Korean Peninsula is divided along ideological lines, while the Ukrainian conflict has territorial and identity dimensions. Moreover, Russia’s aggressive behavior raises questions about its commitment to long-term peace.

Nonetheless, the Korean scenario can offer valuable lessons. Any peace deal in Ukraine would need comprehensive, bulletproof security guarantees to safeguard Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. The international community would play a crucial role in enforcing these guarantees.

In conclusion, while the end of the war in Ukraine might bring relief, maintaining peace would require sustained effort and robust security guarantees, lest the conflict resurface in the future.

Source: УНІАН (Ukrainian News Agency)
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