NATO’s new Secretary General, Mark Rutte, made his first official visit to Ukraine, reaffirming the alliance’s unwavering support for the country in its ongoing war against Russia. In Kyiv, where air raid sirens sounded twice during his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Rutte emphasized NATO’s commitment to backing Ukraine both militarily and diplomatically.
Rutte’s Commitment to Ukraine
Rutte, who took office on Tuesday, promised to bolster Western support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s February 2022 invasion. He stated that Ukraine’s right to self-defense under international law extends beyond borders, while condemning Russia’s unlawful war.
During a press conference, Rutte highlighted the importance of targeting Russian military assets to save lives and underlined that Russia is the sole instigator of the conflict. He stressed that NATO’s continued military and economic assistance will help Ukraine resist and recover.
NATO’s New Steps for Ukraine
Rutte announced NATO’s recent steps to support Ukraine, including a €40 billion financial aid package and establishing a new NATO command to coordinate military assistance and training. He noted the alliance’s efforts to create a “bridge to NATO membership” for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for NATO’s support and discussed Ukraine’s military needs, particularly long-range weaponry, ahead of next week’s NATO meeting at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. The meeting will bring together defense leaders from over 50 nations to discuss coordinated efforts to supply Ukraine with military aid.
Harkiv Under Russian Airstrikes
Meanwhile, the northeastern city of Harkiv was hit by Russian airstrikes on Wednesday night, injuring at least 12 people, including a three-year-old girl. The bomb struck a five-story apartment building, igniting a fire. Harkiv, located near the Russian border, has been a frequent target throughout the war.
Zelenskyy called for stronger air defense cooperation with NATO to protect Ukraine, especially ahead of the harsh winter months, reiterating that joint defensive measures could save lives and enhance security in NATO-adjacent areas.
Source: EN
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