New NATO Chief Rutte Reaffirms Support for Ukraine During Kyiv Visit

By Max Hunder

KYIV – NATO’s new Secretary-General Mark Rutte visited Kyiv on Thursday and reassured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that "your security matters for ours." This marks Rutte’s first trip to Ukraine since assuming his role as the head of the alliance.

During a joint press conference, Rutte reiterated NATO’s commitment to Ukraine’s future membership, emphasizing that the nation is closer to joining the alliance than ever before. He stated that Ukraine would continue on this path until achieving full NATO membership, showcasing the alliance’s unwavering support for Kyiv.

Zelenskiy, however, expressed an urgent need for more active military support from Western allies, similar to the assistance provided to Israel in its conflict with Iran. He called for the allies to intercept missiles and drones deployed by Russia in its ongoing attacks against Ukraine. While Zelenskiy acknowledged current negotiations, he said that the allies are not ready to support this effort just yet.

Additionally, Zelenskiy reiterated his request for long-range weapons that would enable Ukraine to strike deep inside Russia. He argued that without these capabilities, Ukraine cannot effectively counter Russian assaults, which utilize long-range arms to inflict destruction.

Allowing Ukraine to target locations deep within Russia could enhance its ability to disrupt Russian logistics and command operations. Despite this, Ukraine’s allies remain cautious about making such a commitment, mindful of potential repercussions from Russia.

In response to inquiries about Ukraine’s recent withdrawal from the town of Vuhledar—a strategic location that has seen Russian gains—Zelenskiy underscored the necessity of preserving the lives of Ukrainian soldiers. He affirmed the importance of strategic retreats to safeguard personnel.

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin in February 2022, Ukraine’s aspiration to join NATO has been a contentious issue, viewed by Moscow as a direct threat to its national security.

Rutte reinforced NATO’s position that it is not up to Moscow to determine who can join the alliance, reaffirming the organization’s support for Ukraine. Observers expect Rutte to continue the priorities of his predecessor, Jens Stoltenberg, which include rallying assistance for Ukraine, encouraging defense spending among member states, and ensuring continued U.S. involvement in European security.

As the former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Rutte had previously supported the transfer of Dutch F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. Now in his new role, he faces numerous challenges ahead, particularly the potential return of NATO-skeptic sentiments in the U.S. and increasing demands from Eastern European allies for enhanced military reinforcements against Russia.