NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has urged member and partner nations to persist in supplying Ukraine with necessary military aid, particularly focusing on air defense systems. This call to action comes ahead of the upcoming NATO summit in Turkey. During his remarks in Ankara before the start of the two-day meeting involving the 32-member alliance, Rutte emphasized that Ukraine has altered the battlefield dynamics but still needs continuous international support to uphold its defense capabilities. The summit is anticipated to bring new, long-term commitments for Ukraine’s support.
Rutte strongly criticized the recent extensive Russian assaults on Ukrainian cities, which have led to civilian casualties. He highlighted the uncertainty surrounding what might compel Russian President Vladimir Putin to engage in genuine peace negotiations. Alongside him, Finnish President Alexander Stubb expressed optimism about Ukraine’s standing, noting that the country has gained strategic momentum. He also mentioned that Ukraine’s operations within Russia have reshaped international perspectives on the conflict.
The summit will not only address Ukraine’s needs but also focus on bolstering NATO’s overall defense capabilities. Alliance members are aiming to reach a defense spending target of 5% of GDP by 2035, amid growing pressure to enhance military preparedness. Rutte pointed out that European NATO members and Canada have substantially increased their defense budgets, contributing to the development of a more robust alliance.