NATO, UK warn war in Ukraine 'could take years' to end as Russia intensifies its assault

Russia-Ukraine war “could take years”, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told a German weekly newspaper while noting that supply of state-of--art weaponry to Ukrainian troops would increase chances of Kyiv conquering Donbas region away from Moscow’s forces. 

"We must prepare for fact that it could take years. We must not let up in supporting Ukraine," Stoltenberg told Bild am Sonntag. "Even if costs are high, not only for military support, also because of rising energy and food prices."

Earlier this week, NATO chief said that alliance’s summit in Mrid is expected to agree on an assistance package for Ukraine which would help war-ravaged nation to move away from Soviet-era weapons to NATO standard gear. Meanwhile, on Saturday, Ukraine pledged to prevail against Moscow as it repelled Russian assaults near a key eastern city along with several or locations. 

UK PM Johnson warns of long war

UK Prime Minister Johnson, writing for Sunday Times, issued a separate warning, and called for constant support for Ukraine. He said that foreign backers of Ukraine should hold ir nerve to ensure that Kyiv has “ strategic endurance to survive and eventually prevail”. In 1,000-word article, British PM wrote, “Time is now vital factor”. 

“Everything will depend on wher Ukraine can strengn its ability to defend its soil faster than Russia can renew its capacity to attack. Our task is to enlist time on Ukraine’s side.” To help Ukraine amid war with Russia, Johnson outlined a four-point plan for “constant funding and technical help” which, according to him, should be maintained for “years to come” and potentially be elevated. 

Johnson and Stoltenberg’s separate warnings to Western allies to prepare for long haul in Ukraine came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited front lines in sourn regions of his country. Zelenskyy visited Mykolaiv and Odesa, where he declared that Ukrainians “will definitely” win against inving Russian troops.

During his visit to an Odesa hospital, while referring to doctors' efforts in war, Zelenskyy said, “ war is on frontline, where our soldiers, our army are. But you are also on frontline - saving our lives, helping wounded servicemen, helping civilians who come to you every day. We are proud that re are such doctors in our state.” 

Image: AP