Stoltenberg says success of the Ukrainian counteroffensive is very important for the future peace talks

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday the alliance will not accept the freezing of the Ukraine conflict as part of a peace treaty with Russia.

"We all want this war to end, but a just peace cannot mean freezing the conflict and accepting a deal dictated by Russia," Stoltenberg said at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

The NATO chief also noted that the success of the Ukrainian counteroffensive is very important for the future peace talks, as it will make the country's negotiating position stronger.

He also reiterated that NATO is not a party to the conflict and only supports Ukraine in its right to self-defense.