Rutte: Support for Ukraine will be the main topic of the NATO summit in Ankara
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that support for Ukraine will be one of the key issues at the Alliance’s summit in Ankara, scheduled for July 7–8. According to him, only a strong Ukraine is capable of deterring further Russian aggression.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte made this statement in a joint press release following the “Bucharest Nine” (B9) and Northern Allies summit, according to a Facebook post by the press service of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“A strong Ukraine today and a strong Ukraine in the future—that is how Russian aggression can be stopped. War will not wait for us. The time to act is now,” Rutte emphasized.
He also noted that Ukraine is supported by numerous friends, and it is necessary to mobilize all resources to continue this process. The issue of support for Ukraine will be a priority at the summit in Ankara as well.
“Ukraine is supported by many friends. Through the PURL initiative, which provides urgently needed American firepower to Ukraine. And through other means. We need to mobilize all resources and continue to provide the support Ukraine needs. Because Ukraine’s security is our security. Our continued strong support for Ukraine will also be a priority at the summit in Ankara,” Rutte emphasized.
According to him, the gathering of NATO allies—from the Black Sea to the Arctic—demonstrates unity and determination to stand together and defend against any threat from any direction.
“The Bucharest Nine is firmly anchored in NATO and transatlantic relations. Russia remains […] the most significant and immediate threat to NATO. And it continues its ruthless war of aggression against Ukraine. We cannot let our guard down,” Rutte concluded.
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