As diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine continue in Abu Dhabi, a senior NATO commander has voiced support for Ukraine's military campaign against Russian diesel infrastructure, arguing that the strikes are undermining Moscow's war machine.
Lieutenant General John Stringer, NATO's Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, told Euronews that Western allies should "salute" Ukraine's success in targeting Russian refineries. "This is hurting Putin. He thought he was going to roll in, establish a new security architecture in Europe that started in Ukraine in early '22, and he's been sorely disabused on that one," Stringer said.
The comments come as US-convened talks in Abu Dhabi enter a second day, with NATO represented by senior officials including the alliance's top military commander, General Alexus Grynkewich, who is attending in his capacity as head of US European Command. NATO officials said Grynkewich is there "to provide advice for US leaders as they further President Trump's efforts to bring the Russia-Ukraine war to an end."
Ukraine's territorial integrity remains non-negotiable
Stringer said Ukraine's objectives in securing a ceasefire were "paramount" for NATO, and he expressed hope that Russia was entering the talks in good faith. However, he pointed to a lack of evidence that President Vladimir Putin has moved away from his maximalist demands, which date back to 2022 and include the annexation of Ukrainian territory.
"Let's see how serious Russia is here," Stringer said. "Let's hope it's not just, frankly, a restatement of demands that, as I said, go back to 2022."
Asked about concerns that Ukraine could be pressured into accepting changes to its borders, including relinquishing control over parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, Stringer was unequivocal: "In terms of territory, it's absolutely one for the Ukrainians."
The remarks come as talks in Abu Dhabi continue, with prisoner swaps and security guarantees on the agenda. European leaders are also watching closely, with EU budget and Ukraine aid links being debated in Brussels and national capitals.
Stringer's praise for Ukraine's strikes on Russian diesel refineries contrasts with US President Donald Trump's earlier call for Kyiv to end such attacks, which he claimed were driving up energy prices. But Stringer argued that the military campaign is a legitimate and effective way to weaken Russia's ability to sustain its invasion.
"This is hurting Putin," he reiterated, underscoring that Ukraine's resilience has already shattered Moscow's initial ambitions to redraw Europe's security map.
As the talks proceed, NATO's message is clear: Ukraine's sovereignty is not up for negotiation, and its military efforts deserve recognition. Whether Russia is genuinely ready for peace remains an open question, but Western allies are signaling that they will not abandon Kyiv's cause.
