NATO Secretary General: Putin's mobilization of the army is a "dangerous and reckless" step

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to declare a mobilization and call up thousands of soldiers to war in Ukraine represents an escalation of the burning conflict and that his threat to resort to nuclear weapons are "dangerous and incalculable" statements.

Stoltenberg told Reuters editor-in-chief Alessandra Galoni in an interview that Russia's first mobilization of the army since World War II is not a surprise, but it would inflame the conflict that began with Moscow's war on Ukraine on February 24.

Stoltenberg said that Putin's steps reveal that "the war is not going according to his plans", and that the Russian forces are not well-equipped and prepared and lack the ability to command and control, adding that it is clear that the Russian president made a "big miscalculation."

Putin called up 300,000 reservists to fight in Ukraine and announced his support for a plan to annex parts of it, hinting to the West that he was willing to use nuclear weapons to defend Russia.

Referring to any move by Russia to use nuclear weapons, Stoltenberg said, "We will make sure that there is no confusion in Moscow regarding our method of reaction. Of course, it depends on the nature of the situation or what kind of weapons they may use. The most important thing is to prevent That's why we've been very clear in our contacts with Russia about unprecedented consequences."

Stoltenberg stated that NATO "will not get into this kind of reckless and dangerous nuclear rhetoric like President Putin" because the 30-nation defense alliance does not seek confrontation with Russia, and is simply trying to protect Ukraine and prevent an escalation of the conflict.

Commenting on Putin's comments, he added, "The speech is an escalation, but it is not surprising. Therefore, we were prepared. We will remain calm and continue to provide support to Ukraine. President Putin's speech shows that the war is not going according to his plans. He miscalculated greatly."

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