The partial mobilization announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin will lead to an escalation of the conflict, and his threat to use nuclear weapons was dangerous and reckless rhetoric, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told Reuters.

According to him, Russia's first mobilization since World War II did not come as a surprise, but it will escalate the conflict. In his view, Putin's actions demonstrated that the war was not going according to his plans, and it was clear that the Russian president had made a big miscalculation.

"We will make sure that there is no misunderstanding in Moscow about exactly how we will react. Of course, it depends upon what kind of situation or what kind of weapons they may use. The most important thing is to prevent that from happening and that is why we have been so clear in our communications with Russia about the unprecedented consequences,” Stoltenberg said, referring to any Russian use of nuclear weapons.

Stoltenberg said NATO will not engage in the same reckless and dangerous nuclear rhetoric as President Putin, because the alliance does not seek confrontation with Russia, but simply tries to protect Ukraine and prevent an escalation of the conflict. "We will stay calm and continue to provide the support to the Ukraine. The speech of President Putin demonstrates that the war is not going according to President Putin's plans. He has made a big miscalculation."

At the same time, the NATO secretary general noted that it is difficult to find a solution in the short term until Russia recognizes that Ukraine is a sovereign, independent state. "So I’m afraid that the only way to end this war is to prove that President Putin will not win on the battlefield. When he realizes that, he has to sit down and negotiate a reasonable agreement with Ukraine."

Stoltenberg said alliance members have given unprecedented support to Ukraine, and now NATO allies need to replenish their stocks of weapons and ammunition.

Because NATO has been prepared for the long haul, the alliance now leadsAt the same time, the NATO secretary general noted that "it is difficult to find a solution in the short term until Russia recognizes that Ukraine is a sovereign, independent state." "So I am afraid that the only way to end this war is to prove that President Putin will not win on the battlefield. When he realizes that, he will have to sit down and negotiate a reasonable agreement with Ukraine."

Stoltenberg said alliance members have given unprecedented support to Ukraine, and now NATO allies need to replenish their stocks of weapons and ammunition.

Because NATO has been prepared for the long haul, the alliance is now engaged in a dialogue with the defense industry to rebuild its materiel stockpile.