KYIV: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Thursday said that he wants to help Ukraine “prevail” against Russia’s invasion.
Speaking in Kyiv alongside President Volodymyr Zelensky, Rutte said it was his “priority” in his new role to “ensure that Ukraine prevails.”
Rutte made his inaugural visit to Ukraine on Thursday and held talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy about the ongoing war and Kyiv’s strategic “victory plan.”
During a joint press conference, President Zelenskiy emphasized the urgent need for enhanced military assistance from Ukraine’s allies, specifically calling for action to intercept Iranian missiles and drones being used by Russia in its attacks. He drew a parallel to recent military support received by Israel from its allies in the face of missile threats from Tehran, stating, “We need our partners to do the same for us.”
Zelenskiy also urged allies to reconsider their hesitance regarding supplying advanced weaponry capable of deep strikes into Russian territory. He argued that allowing Ukraine to target deeper within Russia would significantly disrupt Russian logistics and command structures. However, allies have been cautious, concerned about potential escalations in retaliation from Moscow.
In response to Ukraine’s aspirations for NATO membership, Rutte reassured Zelenskiy of the alliance’s commitment, stating, “Ukraine is closer to NATO than ever before, and it will continue along this path until it secures NATO membership.” This affirmation comes as Russia has long opposed Ukraine’s integration into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, viewing it as a direct threat to its influence in the region.
Rutte, who recently succeeded Jens Stoltenberg as NATO chief, has a history of supporting Ukraine. As Prime Minister of the Netherlands, he approved the transfer of Dutch F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
