Germany's Scholz Reaffirms 2% GDP NATO Spending Pledge, Stoltenberg Emphasizes Long Journey in Ukraine, Yermak Compares War to 100-Meter Race, Negotiations Predicted for 2024

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirmed Germany's commitment to reaching the NATO spending target of 2% of GDP. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed the expectation of progress in Ukraine's fight against Russian forces, emphasizing the need to prepare for a long journey. Both Scholz and Stoltenberg highlighted the potential dangers of a Russian victory in Ukraine for NATO. Ukraine's Presidential Office head, Andriy Yermak, compared the war in Ukraine to a 100-meter race, indicating uncertainty about its end. Czech President Petr Pavel predicted negotiations to end the conflict in 2024.