2022 has been a 'dismal year of failure' for Putin and invading Ukraine has left Russia 'poorer and more isolated than for decades,' NATO chief says

Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to launch an unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has left Russia poorer and more isolated than in the past, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg wrote in a new op-ed.

The Russian leader made two big strategic mistakes when he launched his invasion of Ukraine, according to the NATO Secretary General.

Putin underestimatedUkraine. He thought he could kill the government in a matter of days. The Ukrainian people, armed forces and leadership continue to defend their homeland with skill, courage and determination that have inspired the world, according to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

Thousands of Russian troops have died or been injured. More than one million people have left Russia since the start of the year, many to avoid being conscripted for a war they don't believe in.

Russia has suffered tens of thousands of casualties in the Ukrainian invasion. Russia has been hit with sanctions from the US and its allies. The Russian economy fell into a recession in November.

NATO unity was one of Putin's mistakes. NATO countries supported Ukraine after Russia invaded and have continued to provide aid. As a result of the war, Sweden andFinland joined NATO.

Putin said he wanted less NATO on his borders. He's getting a bigger NATO. Putin blamed NATO at times for the invasion of Russia. When Russia invaded, it was not on the path to becoming a member of NATO.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg zeroed in on Russia's failures in the war, but he also emphasized the need for continued assistance for Ukraine.

We need to supportUkraine so that it can be independent in Europe. The message to Russia and other authoritarian regimes will be that force will get them what they want if Putin prevails in Ukraine, according to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a historic visit to Washington on Wednesday and thanked the US for its support. Zelenskyy said in an address to Congress that it was crucial to get to the turning point to win on the battlefield.