NATO chief says Ukrainians are making progress and advancing in opposition to Russian forces

WASHINGTON — NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg informed President Joe Biden at an Oval Office assembly on Tuesday that Ukrainians are “making progress” with their counteroffensive, which may bolster their place when there’s a chance to achieve a diplomatic finish to the battle with Russia.

“The support that we are providing together for Ukraine is now making a difference on the battlefield as we speak,” Stoltenberg mentioned. “Because the offensive has launched, and the Ukrainians are making progress, making advances.”

He added, “It’s still early days, but what we do know is that the more land that Ukrainians are able to liberate, the stronger hand they will have at the negotiating table.”

Biden mentioned NATO has grown extra unified throughout the Ukraine battle and “we’re going to be building on that momentum” when the alliance holds its annual summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, on July 11 and 12.

The White House assembly, the fourth between the 2 leaders, occurred at a second of explicit peril and uncertainty for the 31-member army alliance.

Ukraine, armed with Western weapons, is within the early phases of a high-stakes counteroffensive in opposition to Russia that would considerably reshape a battle that started practically a 12 months and a half in the past. NATO needs to proceed supporting Kyiv whereas avoiding being drawn into direct battle with Moscow.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that Ukraine is struggling setbacks and the lack of tanks and armored automobiles.

In addition, no consensus has emerged over who can be NATO’s subsequent chief. Stoltenberg, a former Norwegian prime minister, plans to step down as secretary normal on the finish of September. He’s held the job since 2014.

Last week, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made the case for U.Okay. Defense Minister Ben Wallace to interchange Stoltenberg. Biden additionally met with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, one other potential contender.

NATO has expanded since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with the addition of Finland. Sweden has additionally sought to hitch, however Turkey, one other member of the alliance, has objected.

However, Biden has expressed confidence that the problem can be sorted out and Sweden will grow to be the thirty second nation in NATO.

The assembly with Stoltenberg was delayed by a day as a result of Biden acquired a root canal on Monday. The process, which was prompted by dental ache that Biden felt over the weekend, additionally required the president to skip an occasion with school athletes.