Following Russia's attack, Rutte called on allies to step up their assistance to Ukraine
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte responded to Russia’s massive missile and drone strike on Ukraine, which took place on July 6.
In his statement, he emphasized that allied countries must ensure a stable and sufficient supply of necessary aid to Ukraine. Rutte made this statement during a press conference on the eve of the Alliance summit in Ankara.
The NATO Secretary General noted that although Ukraine is shifting the momentum in its favor, Russia continues its attacks.
“But they need our continued support, especially in the area of air defense. Russia continues its missile attacks on Ukrainian cities; just last night, there was yet another horrific attack,” Rutte said, adding that his thoughts are now with the victims and their loved ones.
“NATO allies and partners must continue to ensure that Ukraine receives what it needs. Let me be clear. All allies must make every effort to ensure that our support for Ukraine continues to flow. After all, your security is so closely linked to our own,” the Alliance leader added.
This was reported with reference to the European Parliament.
Rutte assessed the prospects for negotiations with Russia.
Thus, NATO believes that the allies’ main task now remains to further strengthen Ukraine. According to Rutte, only a strong position by Kyiv can create the conditions under which Moscow will ultimately be forced to agree to substantive negotiations on ending the war. This was reported by the Financial Times.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni accused NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte of misrepresenting the country’s role during the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. The Alliance leader’s statement sparked a political scandal in Italy and drew a wave of criticism from the opposition.
