NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stressed on Wednesday that the precondition for Ukraine bidding to join the alliance is winning the war against Russia. Speaking to reporters in Bucharest following the North Atlantic Council meeting, Stoltenberg said that NATO member states "mustn't underestimate" Russia, but provide the much-needed anti-air defense systems to Ukraine.
Commenting on the European energy crisis, Stoltenberg reiterated NATO members should review all vulnerabilities when it comes to the import of goods or services, including Chinese technology. However, NATO doesn't see China as an adversary at this moment and will continue engaging Beijing when in its interest, he confirmed.
The secretary also spoke about Finland's and Sweden's process of joining NATO, saying the ratification is nearly complete and that it would make the euro-atlantic area more secure once finished. Stoltenberg's remarks followed the two-day meetings of NATO foreign ministers in Romania's capital.
