Stoltenberg: The war between Ukraine and Russia started nine years ago in 2014

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Tuesday in Brussels that the conflict between Ukraine and Russia did not start in 2022, but nine years ago.

"The war didn't start in February last year, the war started in 2014. And since 2014, NATO allies have been supporting Ukraine with training and equipment, so the Ukrainian forces were much stronger in 2022 than they were in 2014", declared the "head" of the Atlantic Alliance prior to the meeting of the bloc's defense ministers.

At the same time, Stoltenberg said that neither the organization nor its allies are part of the conflict, however, he noted that they will continue to supply more advanced and modern weaponry, ensuring that the delivery of tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and ammunition are now a priority for NATO.

"The kind of support that we have, that we are providing to Ukraine, has changed and evolved over time. And it will continue to change and evolve," he added.