It is dangerous to underestimate Russia. It also has major consequences for security in the Nordic region. Such a statement made the NATO Secretary General at the Folk och Försvar Security Conference in Sälen, Sweden.

“What Ukrainians can achieve at the table depends on their strength on the battlefield. So if we want a negotiated peace solution, where Ukraine survives as an independent democratic country in Europe, the fastest way to get there is to support Ukraine. Weapons are – in fact – the way to peace.

Regardless of when, or how, this war ends, we must accept that the security situation in Europe has changed permanently. The regime in Moscow wants a different Europe. It wants to control neighbouring countries, and it sees democracy and freedom as a threat. This puts Russia in a position of constant confrontation with the West. So even if this war ends, the problems in our relationship with Russia persist.

The Ukrainian forces have inflicted heavy losses on Russia in Ukraine. But Russians have once again shown a willingness to take great risks and endure great human losses. They have already mobilized 200,000 extra troops. In addition, we know that they can acquire a lot of new material. And perhaps most importantly, there is no indication that Russia’s ambitions have changed.

It is dangerous to underestimate Russia. It also has major consequences for security in the Nordic region. It is therefore rewarding that Sweden and Finland are now becoming members of NATO.

It erases grey areas. Strengthens the political community. And NATO’s ability to ensure security in the Nordic region, the Baltic region and Europe. And that will make us all safer”, - said Jens Stoltenberg.