Admiral Rob Bauer, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, made this statement at the annual Kyiv Security Forum, organized to mobilize transatlantic support for Ukraine.
He said that the visit of a NATO military delegation to Ukraine, after a large-scale invasion, is a confirmation of the fact that Ukraine and NATO are closer than ever before.
"Together we are doing everything to ensure that Ukraine becomes a member of the Alliance. The Swedish flag will not be the only yellow and blue flag at NATO Headquarters, because we all believe in the power of democracy. That is what is at stake," said the admiral.
Bauer noted that Putin made two strategic mistakes, underestimating Ukraine's determination and NATO's unity.
He added that with their help, Ukraine can and will prevail. He expressed from the bottom of his heart that Ukraine is not alone, NATO is with them. He emphasized that democracy will triumph over autocracy, freedom will triumph over tyranny, and light will triumph over darkness.
According to the admiral, Russia's war against Ukraine was never linked to any real threat to Russia's security from Ukraine or NATO.
"This war is being waged because President Putin fears something much more powerful than any weapon on earth: democracy. Your strength and courage have impressed the world. You prove that democracy is worth fighting for. In Russia, we see a regime that kills its opponents, oppresses its citizens, and uses its soldiers as cannon fodder, even without retrieving their bodies. Russia kidnaps Ukrainian children, forcing them to fight against their own people. On the other hand, the Ukrainian leadership not only bravely resists aggression but also does everything possible to eradicate corruption and strengthen its democratic institutions. This is a legitimate government that demonstrates strength and cares about every human life," summarized Bauer.