We should have given Ukraine more weapons earlier, says ex-NATO chief

“Most allies were against that, pre-invasion … they were very afraid of the consequences,” he said. “I’m proud of what we have done, but it would have been a great advantage if it started earlier.

“It maybe could even have prevented the invasion, or at least made it much harder for [Russia] to do what they’ve done.”

Throughout the conflict, Kyiv has begged its Western allies for more advanced weapons, including long-range missiles, battle tanks and Patriot air defense systems. Some, such as Germany, eventually relented on some requests while steadfastly refusing others.

Ukraine’s allies “should have given them more advanced weapons, faster, after the invasion,” Stoltenberg said. “I take my part of the responsibility,” he added.

Kyiv has begged its Western allies for more advanced weapons, including long-range missiles. | Lionel Bonaventure/Getty Images

During Stoltenberg’s decade at the NATO helm, the alliance withdrew from Afghanistan at the initiative of the United States. Stoltenberg said NATO’s speedy departure from the country amounted to a broken promise not to leave until “the Afghans can protect their own country and ensure the Taliban doesn’t return.”

He also presided over NATO during former U.S. President Donald Trump’s term and was lauded for keeping the alliance together, even as Trump repeatedly threatened to pull out unless other members boosted their military spending.

“Whether it was a 10 per cent likelihood that NATO would collapse under Trump or 90 per cent, it didn’t change what we had to do,” Stoltenberg said.

Stoltenberg was replaced by former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Tuesday and is expected to take a new role as chairman of the Munich Security Conference.