Russia Ukraine war could last for years, warns Nato chief

NATO chief General Jens Stoltenberg said on Sunday that the war between Russia and Ukraine could last for years. General Stoltenberg's comments come at a time when Ukraine is facing fierce Russian attacks over its bid to join the NATO bloc.

According to Reuters, the German daily Bild am Sonntag quoted NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg as saying that supplying the Ukrainian army with state-of-the-art weapons would increase the chances of liberating the eastern Donbas region from Russian control.

"We have to prepare for the fact that it could take years," he said. "Even if the costs are high, not only because of military aid but also because of rising energy and food prices."

Read more: Fighting in Donbas will lead to war: Ukrainian president
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who visited Kyiv on Friday, made similar comments in an article in London's Sunday Times about the need to prepare for a protracted war.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Johnson emphasized the need to avoid "Ukrainian fatigue," saying: "Allies must show the Ukrainians that they have supported them for a long time." He added that it was important to make sure "Ukraine receives more weapons, equipment, ammunition and training than the invaders."

According to Boris Johnson: 'Time is of the essence. "Everything will depend on whether Ukraine can build up its ability to defend its territory faster than Russia's renewed strike capability."

Ukraine received a major boost on Friday when the European Commission recommended that it be granted EU candidate status, to be ratified by EU countries at this week's summit.

This will put Ukraine on the path to fulfill its previous wish to Russia, even if it takes many years to become a real member.

Ukrainian troops, on the other hand, have held their ground despite heavy Russian shelling near Donetsk and believe that their defense is better than Russian aggression.

"Our artillery is working against the Russian troops and they are working against our artillery," Alexander, a Ukrainian soldier, told AFP. I think our troops are better. They're clearly working. We're looking at this. They shoot projectiles. Many use shells. Our goals are somewhat better.

He added: "I am happy to be here. They (Russia) were proud to be the second largest army in the world, but they could not do anything with us. We are firmly entrenched. Although we have not been able to hold our position in some places, we are working well with what we have. I think it will all be Ukraine.

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