As Russia's aggression in Ukraine continues, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg thinks there is unlikely to be a full-blown war between Russia and the alliance.

Speaking to CNN, Stoltenberg praised the emergence of NATO countries' unity in reducing the likelihood of a full-scale war.

However, he said that on the ground in Ukraine it is "extremely unpredictable" and that NATO is facing a new reality and needs to prepare for the long term.

Asked about reports that Russia was not taking the deconflict line, Stoltenberg replied that this was correct and that "the Russians were not willing, as I say, to use those lines, but we assume that if necessary "They will be able to communicate with us."

The secretary-general, who was due to become head of Norway's central bank later this year, will now be heading NATO given the situation in Ukraine.

"I feel privileged for the third time, in fact, to extend my term," said the Norwegian.

Asked if working at NATO was more important than working at the Central Bank of Norway, Stoltenberg replied: "I feel it is more important to stop this conflict from escalating into a full-scale war between Russia and NATO." .