Authoritarian Powers Aligned Against Western Democracies, Says NATO Chief
By Laura Kuenssberg
In an exclusive interview with the BBC, NATO head Jens Stoltenberg raised concerns about an emerging “alliance of authoritarian powers” comprising Russia, Iran, China, and North Korea. Stoltenberg emphasized the increasing alignment of these nations against Western democracies.
Stoltenberg expressed confidence that NATO allies would reach a long-term funding agreement for Ukraine by July, but hinted at the possibility of Ukraine making concessions as part of the deal.
Speaking on the Middle East conflict, Stoltenberg stressed the importance of sending a clear message to Israel, urging them to take more significant steps to protect civilians and aid workers following the recent World Central Kitchen convoy attack.
As NATO celebrates its 75th anniversary, Stoltenberg reflected on the current global landscape, describing it as “much more dangerous, unpredictable, and violent” than before.
Highlighting the cooperation between authoritarian powers, Stoltenberg pointed out that China was supporting Russia’s war economy while Moscow provided technology to Iran and North Korea in exchange for military resources.
Stoltenberg underscored the need for NATO to collaborate with countries outside its traditional sphere, such as Japan and South Korea, to counter the growing influence of authoritarian alliances.
Despite some countries expressing reservations, Stoltenberg remained optimistic about securing a 100 billion euro funding deal for Ukraine over five years by July, emphasizing the importance of long-term support for the war-torn nation.
Looking ahead, Stoltenberg emphasized the necessity of bolstering Ukraine’s defenses to deter future aggression and rebuild the country post-conflict, underscoring the enduring commitment needed to support Ukraine in the years to come.
