The war in Ukraine is the most dangerous moment for Europe since World War II and Russia must not be allowed to win.

This was stated by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday, Reuters reports.

To prevent Moscow from succeeding, NATO and its member states may need to continue supporting Ukraine with weapons and other aid for a long time to come, he said.

"It is in our interest that this type of aggressive policy does not succeed," Stoltenberg said during a speech in his native Norway.

Describing what Moscow called a "special military operation" as an attack on the current world order, Stoltenberg said the alliance must prevent the war from escalating.

Stoltenberg: NATO will intervene if security in Kosovo is threatened

"This is the most dangerous situation in Europe since World War II," he said.

"If President Vladimir Putin even thinks about doing something similar to a NATO country, as he did to Georgia, Moldova or Ukraine, then all of NATO will be involved immediately," Stoltenberg added.

NATO

Jens Stoltenberg

Russia-Ukraine war