The Swedish flag will not be the only blue and yellow in NATO, – head of the Alliance military committee

Admiral Rob Bauer arrived in Ukraine for the first time since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion.

NATO and Ukraine are now closer than ever. Chairman of the NATO Military Committee Rob Bauer stated this during a speech at the Kyiv Security Forum , the Alliance website reports .

He thanked for the opportunity to personally visit Ukraine and meet with the political and military leadership of the country. The military man expressed deep respect for the courage and strength that Ukrainians demonstrate both on and off the battlefield.

“Together we are doing everything to ensure that Ukraine becomes a member of our Alliance. The Swedish flag will not be the only blue and yellow flag at NATO headquarters. Why? Because we all believe in the power of democracy. That’s what’s at stake,” he stressed Bauer.

According to him, Russia’s war against Ukraine was never associated with a real security threat from Ukraine or NATO, while its essence lies in the fact that Putin is afraid of something much more powerful than any physical weapon on earth – democracy.

“Russia has no choice, only strength. And the rule of law is a façade. Russia is desperately trying to create an image of strength. And yet they have only shown weakness. There is no propaganda that can cover the coffins that are flying back to the Russian Federation. There is no such propaganda which could answer questions from the families of fallen soldiers,” said the chairman of the NATO Military Committee.

At the same time, in his opinion, Russian troops have no idea what they are fighting for, while the Ukrainian people and the Armed Forces of Ukraine “are doing it in a way we have never seen before.”

“You have revolutionized many aspects of modern warfare. Faced with a combination of World War I trenches and artillery barrages, 21st century drone warfare and artificial intelligence, you quickly adapted and fought back. You are pioneers with innovation, using a combination of Soviet-style equipment with modern Western technology. … You are incredibly strong. The world sees it. Russia knows it. There is nothing you cannot do. The only thing you need is our help,” Bauer said.

He also believes Putin made two strategic mistakes: underestimating Ukraine’s resolve and underestimating NATO unity.

“With our help, Ukraine can and will win. From the bottom of my heart I say: you are not alone. NATO supports you. Democracy will defeat autocracy. Freedom will defeat oppression. Light will defeat darkness,” Bauer concluded.

Bauer on the war in Ukraine

NATO urged not to be “overly pessimistic” about Ukraine’s chances of victory. According to NATO Military Committee Chairman Rob Bauer, given the facts, there is every reason to be confident in Ukraine’s ability to succeed.

At the same time, Bauer called on Ukraine to strengthen mobilization . According to him, to continue waging war, Ukraine needs not only weapons, but also people.

(C)UNIAN 2024