NATO could prevent Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, admits Stoltenberg

Reuters reports.

"Now we provide military stuff to a war - then we could have provided military stuff to prevent the war," he stated.

Stoltenberg pointed to the reluctance of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to provide the weapons requested by Kyiv before Russia's full-scale invasion, for fear of escalating tensions with Russia.

In addition, Stoltenberg expressed his belief that an end to the war in Ukraine can only be achieved at the negotiating table.

"To end this war there will have to be again dialogue with Russia at a certain stage. But it has to be based on Ukrainian strength," he said.

• On October 1, NATO headquarters will host a ceremony during which the current Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg will hand over his powers to former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. 
• NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg will chair the Munich Security Conference after his term ends on October 1.