Supplying weapons to Ukraine is the path to peace. Such a statement the NATO Secretary General made after the meeting with the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken.

“Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine is nearing the two-year mark. And a Russian victory would embolden Iran, North Korea and China. That matters for Europe’s security. And it matters for America’s security. So supporting Ukraine serves U.S. interests.

For a tiny fraction of annual defence spending, the United States has helped Ukraine destroy a major part of Russia’s combat capacity. Without placing a single American soldier in harm’s way.

I welcome the clear commitment from President Biden and you. To sustain U.S. support to Ukraine. And to work with Congress to achieve that. As you said, other Allies are also stepping up.

In fact, what European NATO Allies and Canada provide – in terms of military, financial, and humanitarian aid, actually exceeds what the U.S. is providing. So truly joint effort from both sides of the Atlantic. And I am confident that all NATO Allies will continue to deliver. Because supporting Ukraine is not charity.

It is an investment in our own security. President Putin started this war, and he could end it today – if he stopped attacking a neighbour. The war could also end if Ukraine stopped defending itself, But that would not mean peace. It would mean Russian occupation. And occupation is not peace. A just peace will require President Putin to realise that he will not get what he wants on the battlefield. Moscow must accept a negotiated solution where Ukraine prevails as a sovereign, independent nation.

What happens around the negotiating table is inextricably linked to the situation on the battlefield. So if we want a lasting, just peace, we must provide Ukraine with more weapons and ammunition. Weapons to Ukraine is the path to peace”, - said Jens Stoltenberg.