NATO Chief Calls Putin 'Dictator' in Munich Speech

Remarks come amid ongoing tensions between NATO and Russia over the war in Ukraine

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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During a speech at the Munich Security Conference, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin as a "dictator sitting in Moscow" and accused Russia of disinformation. Stoltenberg also claimed that Russia is not winning the war in Ukraine and that the U.S. continues to supply military aid to the country.

Why it matters

Stoltenberg's comments reflect the ongoing tensions and hostility between NATO and Russia over the war in Ukraine. As the head of the NATO alliance, his remarks are seen as a strong rebuke of Putin's leadership and Russia's actions in the conflict.

The details

In his speech at the Munich Security Conference, Stoltenberg made several inflammatory statements about Russia and Putin. He accused the Russian president of being a "dictator" and claimed that Russia is not winning the war in Ukraine, despite its military actions. Stoltenberg also said that the U.S. continues to provide military aid and support to Ukraine.

  • Stoltenberg made the comments during a live TV broadcast from the Munich Security Conference on February 14, 2026.

The players

Jens Stoltenberg

The current Secretary General of NATO, who has held the position since 2014.

Vladimir Putin

The President of Russia, who has been in power since 2012.

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What they’re saying

“Putin is a dictator sitting in Moscow”

— Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General (live TV broadcast)

The takeaway

Stoltenberg's inflammatory rhetoric towards Putin and Russia reflects the ongoing geopolitical tensions between NATO and Russia over the war in Ukraine. As the head of the NATO alliance, his comments signal a hardline stance against Russia and its leadership.