If Ukraine loses territory and does not join NATO, the Russians will start a new war - Portnikov

The author expressed this opinion on Espreso TV live on air. 

"If peace with Russia is signed on the basis of the loss of our territories and Ukraine does not become a member of NATO, the Russians will come again and take another part of the territory. Until they reach Lviv," Portnikov said.

The journalist added that there is another option for Ukraine to become a member of NATO, but with the loss of part of the territory.

"The Russians will fight and it will continue for decades. The loss of a part of the territory will not save anyone. It will only postpone death. There is also another option for Ukraine to become a member of the North Atlantic Alliance in such a reduced form," Vitaly Portnikov noted. 

On June 29, the Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg announced that Russia has turned from a strategic partner into a major threat to the Alliance. 

On June 30, Stoltenberg said that NATO is helping Ukraine to prevent a larger conflict, because the Russian Federation's war with the North Atlantic Alliance will be colossal.