NATO Secretary General Rutte: Ukraine will be so strong that...

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte paid a surprise visit to Ukraine following Russia's latest major attack last night. As part of his engagements in the capital, Kyiv, Rutte laid a wreath at the National Memory Public Monument in Independence Square alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and addressed the Ukrainian Parliament, before holding a joint press conference with the Ukrainian leader.

Opening his remarks at the press conference with a message that NATO stands with Ukraine, Rutte stated that the "Priority Urgent Requirements List" (PURL) program plays a vital role for Ukraine, noting that the program, launched last summer, has covered 75% of the missiles used for Ukraine's Patriot batteries and 90% of the missiles used in other air defense systems.

Pointing out that Ukraine needs more missiles for its air defense, Rutte said, "I continue to work with allies and, by highlighting the urgency of the need, I encourage them to take a deep look at their stocks."

Emphasizing that Ukraine needs strong armed forces and robust security guarantees that bindingly commit to coming to Ukraine's aid if it is attacked again after peace is achieved, Rutte said, "That is what the Coalition of Volunteers brings. This includes the deployment of European forces, while the US plays a critical role as the 'ultimate security guarantor'." Rutte added, "Russia's attack last night with 450 drones and over 50 missiles is essentially aimed at paralyzing your energy infrastructure."

Rutte stated, "Ukraine's security and prosperity are not just the business of Ukrainians. This is the business of all of us in NATO. Your friends and partners will stand firmly by your side."

"There is a need for better burden-sharing within NATO"

When asked at the press conference whether it was possible to secure the $15 billion in funding needed for the PURL program, Rutte replied, "Yes, I am absolutely sure that the money will be found. Because we all know that this is critical."

Stating that many allies support the PURL program and that there are problems with burden-sharing because some allies do a lot while others "do nothing," Rutte said, "We need better burden-sharing within NATO. We are working on this."

Rutte stated, "The EU has decided to provide 90 billion euros to Ukraine over two years, 60 billion of which is for military aid. This will certainly help. I also see that many countries, including Turkey, Norway, Canada, and Spain, are reviewing their stocks in terms of packages for AIM-120, AIM-9X, and Patriot systems for Ukraine's critically important air defense."

"Last night was a very bad signal"

When asked how NATO would respond to Russia's energy terrorism, Rutte replied, "One of the most intense attacks on Ukraine in terms of the number of missiles and ballistic missiles was carried out. It could be the worst attack so far, or at least among the first two or three. Perhaps the worst. That is why it is so terrible."

Emphasizing that Russia's attacks are not only for military purposes but also intended to create chaos among civilians, Rutte said, "This situation makes one question whether the Russians are truly serious about negotiations. I hope they are. However, last night was a very bad signal indeed."

"Stop doing this. This is my message to the Russians, clearly"

Regarding a question on whether he would take steps to inform the US side about Russia's attack, Rutte said, "They see what is happening, they will hear about it, and they will evaluate these things as they are."

Rutte added, "This is an attack on innocent civilians and civilian infrastructure, and I think this is unacceptable."

Emphasizing that such attacks do not affect Ukraine's determination, Rutte said, "Stop doing this. This is my message to the Russians, clearly."

"The security guarantees will be so strong that attacking again would be a very bad decision for Russia."

When asked to comment on a Financial Times report suggesting that both European and American troops could be deployed to Ukraine to protect the country following the establishment of peace, Rutte said, "I cannot comment on everything that appears in the press."

Stating that the security guarantees consist of three layers—the Ukrainian Armed Forces, a Coalition of Volunteers led by the British and French, and subsequently the United States—Rutte said, "Such a strong package must be put forward for the Ukrainian Armed Forces that Russia would never attempt to attack again after a peace agreement or a long-term ceasefire. This is the will and intention of us all."

Rutte said, "The security guarantees will be so strong that attacking again would be a very bad decision for Russia. But first, we need to reach peace or a long-term ceasefire."

Addressed the Ukrainian Parliament

As part of his contacts, Rutte addressed the Ukrainian Parliament. In his speech to the deputies, Rutte stated, "I stand before you today with the deepest respect to reaffirm once again that NATO stands with Ukraine," adding that Russia was "very seriously mistaken" in its plans for Ukraine.

Rutte said, "Putin thought that those supporting you would get tired. He thought our will would collapse. But he was very seriously mistaken. Ukraine is strong and our support is unwavering."

Rutte said, "Ukraine is vital to our security, and our commitment to supporting Ukraine is resolute. We maintain our dialogue on a daily basis, including through the NATO-Ukraine Council. Every day, we are helping, equipping, and training the Ukrainian Armed Forces."

Recalling that members of the Coalition of Volunteers made significant progress in France last month, Rutte said, "Some European allies have announced that they will deploy troops to Ukraine following the agreement. Soldiers on the ground, aircraft in the air, and ships in the Black Sea. The US will also act as the ultimate insurer. Others have pledged support in other ways. The security guarantees are robust, and this is vital. Because we know that the agreement to end this terrible war will require difficult choices. What Ukraine must know with absolute certainty is that your sacrifices and the destruction you have experienced will not risk repeating. You need to know that this peace will be lasting. Know that NATO continues to stand by Ukraine. We will continue to do so in the coming years. I know winter is cold, but spring will come. Stay strong."

"The Russians violated the consensus reached with the American side"

In a joint press conference with Rutte, Zelenskyy said that Russia had violated the consensus reached within the framework of US President Donald Trump's request to halt attacks on energy and critical infrastructure for one week. The Ukrainian leader stated, "This began to be implemented this Friday night, and last night, the Russians, in our assessment, broke their word. So, either Russia no longer believes that a week lasts seven days, or they have pinned all their hopes on a single option and have been waiting for the coldest days of winter to arrive and for temperatures to drop below minus 20 degrees Celsius across large parts of Ukraine."

"There must be consequences for this"

Stating that Russia is carrying out heavy attacks with missiles that can only be intercepted by Patriot systems, Zelenskyy said, "What Russia does always clearly reveals its intentions. We believe this attack violates what was agreed upon by the American side, and there must be consequences for this."

"I expect our partners not to remain silent"

Arguing that the primary target of Russian attacks is infrastructure and energy, and that this is intended to prevent people from heating their homes and to disrupt electricity supply, Zelenskyy said, "We will be in contact with the American side regarding this. I expect our partners not to remain silent in the face of what is happening."

Stating that they discussed the need for missiles for Patriot systems, which can effectively counter ballistic missiles, with NATO Secretary General Rutte, Zelenskyy thanked the countries that support the PURL program, which provides for the supply of American weapons to Ukraine funded by Europe. Zelenskyy said, "This program allows us to purchase air defense missiles that only the US can produce and are hard to find. It is important that PURL packages are fully funded, and we will continue this work with Mark (Rutte)."

Zelenskyy announced that they have also initiated discussions with Rutte regarding the licensing of U.S.-owned missile systems for production in Europe. Responding to a question during the press conference about the talks in Abu Dhabi and expectations regarding negotiations with Russia, Zelenskyy stated, "After the meeting in Abu Dhabi, the American side proposed some de-escalation steps at the end of the meeting. The issue of not striking energy infrastructure. They also brought up the issue of not striking other critical infrastructure. However, we saw attacks on railways and other facilities. Yet, for the most part, there were no attacks on energy infrastructure. The Americans thought this would be in effect for a week, but strangely, they attacked us today. They attacked with 71 missiles and 450 drones." Arguing that the only thing Russia did after the Abu Dhabi negotiations was to stockpile drones and missiles, Zelenskyy said, "They attacked during the coldest days. Therefore, I cannot say that this arrangement gained us anything."

Zelenskyy said, "I repeat once again. This did not gain us anything. Because they attacked us with 1.5 times more missiles than planned."

Stating that they will continue to support de-escalation measures in the future, Zelenskyy said he remains in contact with the Ukrainian negotiating team and that they will listen to proposals from the Russian side. Zelenskyy added, "We must seek dialogue, but no one is planning to surrender."