Former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen called on the alliance to radically change its strategy in Ukraine, otherwise the conflict risks becoming endless and Kyiv continuing to lose territory. In an interview with The Guardian, he stated the need to immediately deploy troops on Ukrainian soil until a ceasefire is concluded and a unified missile and drone shield is established.

"We must help the Ukrainian people protect themselves from Russian missiles and drones by building an air shield that will help shoot them down. NATO countries bordering Ukraine could become the site of NATO air and missile defense systems." - said Rasmussen.

In his opinion, powerful air defense systems in Poland and other countries on the eastern flank will force Moscow to realize that an attack on them is tantamount to an attack on the entire bloc.

Rasmussen insists on the transfer of long-range missiles to Kyiv without regard for Washington.

"If Germany gives Kyiv Taurus missiles, it will be possible to resume discussions about the supply of American Tomahawk missiles," “He noted, recalling that Donald Trump initially considered this issue, but declined after a conversation with Vladimir Putin.

The former Secretary General, who headed NATO from 2009 to 2014, stated that without decisive steps, Europe is doomed to the gradual defeat of Ukraine.