The war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine enters a critical phase. Winter is coming and it will be hard. It is hard for the Ukrainian people and the armed forces who are fighting for their freedom, as well as for those who support them.. However, we must continue to resist Russian aggression and the Kremlin’s energy blackmail.. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg wrote about this in an article for the FT.

“Our unity and solidarity will be severely tested as families and businesses experience a crisis of soaring energy prices and the cost of living caused by Russia's brutal invasion. We have a tough six months ahead of us, with the threat of blackouts, disruptions and possibly even civil unrest.. But we must stay the course and resist tyranny for the sake of Ukraine and for us,” Stoltenberg writes..

He stressed that NATO is paying the price for supporting Ukraine..

“But the price we pay is calculated in dollars, euros and pounds, and for Ukrainians it is life. And we will all pay a higher price if Russia and other authoritarian regimes believe they can invade their neighbors and violate international law with impunity.. If Russia stops fighting, there will be peace. If Ukraine stops fighting, it will cease to exist as an independent state. We have a moral obligation to support this independent democracy in the center of Europe,” stressed NATO Secretary General.

He also added that the price that NATO pays for supporting Ukraine also contributes to the security of the Alliance..

“Vladimir Putin has clearly stated that he wants to wipe Ukraine off the map and rewrite the European security order.. Russia has temporarily occupied about 20 percent of Ukraine's territory - four times more than the territory of Belgium, or half of the UK. Emboldened by any success, Russia may risk further aggression against other neighbors and even attack NATO allies..

" NATO allies surrendered to the right of every nation to choose its own destiny. That is why we are providing unprecedented financial, humanitarian and military support to help Ukraine gain the upper hand as a sovereign independent state,” Stoltenberg writes..

He also recalled that since the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014, allied countries have provided billions of dollars of support to the security sector and institutions of Ukraine, and have trained tens of thousands of military personnel, including special forces.. This helped make the Ukrainian armed forces stronger and better prepared for another Russian invasion..

Stoltenberg stressed that since February 2022, the Allies have rallied on the side of Ukraine, providing unprecedented military, humanitarian and financial support.. In June, NATO leaders agreed on a beefed-up aid package, including fuel, food, medical supplies, military equipment, communications equipment and equipment to counter mines and drones..

“We are preparing more than a dozen new projects to help Ukraine meet the winter. And we will continue to help the country strengthen its defense and security sector in the long term, as well as move from Soviet-era weapons to NATO-standard capabilities,” the Alliance Secretary General emphasized..

“NATO is part of the US-led Ukraine Defense Contact Group, which I will join again this week with the intention of sending a clear message that we must continue to increase the assistance Ukraine needs.. We see the decisive change our support makes on the battlefield every day.. The Ukrainian army has proven capable of resisting Russian aggression, striking deep behind enemy lines, and inflicting significant damage on invading forces,” Stoltenberg wrote..

In his opinion, large-scale sanctions imposed by NATO and EU allies have an impact on the Russian economy..

“Over time, they will only bite harder, given the departure of talent and capital, as well as the travel ban and asset freeze of Russian elites.. The Kremlin has cut itself off from its immediate and lucrative oil and gas markets in Europe,” Stoltenberg stressed..

Above all, technological sanctions, he said, severely limit Russia's access to advanced semiconductors and chips needed to support its automotive, aircraft and military operations..

“Our countries are taking this opportunity to diversify their economies and energy supply, strengthen resilience and free themselves forever from Russia’s energy blackmail,” said the Alliance’s Secretary General.

Stoltenberg also notes that at the same time, the Alliance is making major deterrence and defense changes since the Cold War, significantly increasing its presence on the eastern flank, putting troops on high alert and continuing to invest in forward capabilities..

“NATO security guarantees leave no room for Moscow to miscalculate our ability to protect every inch of Alliance territory.. At the same time, they allow allies to support Ukraine's right to self-defense.. Tough times ahead, but we've been through tough times together before..

The cost of failing to protect our values \u200b\u200bis always greater. For the sake of the future of Ukraine and our future, we must prepare for the winter war and stay on course,” Stoltenberg stressed..

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Earlier, Stoltenberg said that the Alliance will support Ukraine for as long as it takes.. According to him, the most difficult stage has begun in the confrontation between Ukraine and the Russian Federation - the war of attrition..