Aircraft in the air and support at sea: Rutte outlines post-war plan in parliament
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte arrived in Kyiv on 3 February and addressed the Verkhovna Rada at the opening of its 15th session.
He outlined in detail a security plan to be implemented immediately after a peace agreement with Russia is concluded. Rutte stressed that Ukraine would receive immediate protection from its allies.
The head of the Alliance emphasised: “We seek not merely to end the war, but to ensure a lasting peace, so that your children grow up free and without fear.”
According to him, a strong Ukrainian Armed Forces will be the key element as the first line of defence, reinforced by air power and naval support from NATO countries willing to assist. Other Alliance members will provide alternative forms of support.
The United States, European partners and Canada have already confirmed their intention to provide security guarantees.
Rutte also mentioned the progress of the “coalition of the willing” and the recent talks in Paris, which President Zelenskyy had spoken about. This multilateral mechanism, he said, would make renewed aggression impossible.
Achieving peace will require bold decisions from all sides.
“Every sacrifice, every life must not be in vain — peace must be strong and backed by leading states,” Rutte stated.
He warned against repeating the mistakes of the Budapest Memorandum or the Minsk agreements.
NATO Secretary General Rutte addressed the Verkhovna Rada.
Zelenskyy and Rutte honoured Ukraine’s heroes at Independence Square.
