NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa on Tuesday alongside President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, reaffirming the alliance’s “unwavering” support for Ukraine in the wake of a devastating Russian missile attack in the north.
The visit followed Sunday’s Russian ballistic missile strikes on Sumy, which Ukrainian officials say killed 35 people and injured over 100. The trip also came as the United States, NATO’s leading power, works to broker a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia—efforts that have drawn criticism from both sides of the conflict.
At a joint press conference with Zelenskiy, Rutte made it clear that NATO remained committed to Ukraine. “NATO stands with Ukraine,” he said. “I know some have questioned our support in recent months. But let there be no doubt: Our support is unwavering.”
He acknowledged the ongoing US-led talks with Russia and Ukraine, saying they are “not easy—especially after such horrific violence—but we all support President Trump’s push for peace.”
The comments came after US President Donald Trump controversially accused Zelenskiy of starting the war, despite Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Rutte pushed back, stating, “Russia is the aggressor. Russia started this war. There’s no doubt.”
During the visit, Zelenskiy reiterated Ukraine’s urgent need for enhanced air defence. “Everyone sees how urgent Ukraine’s need is for air defence systems and missiles,” he said, stressing the importance of acquiring Patriot missile systems, largely produced by US defence firms Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.
“We’re not just asking for Patriots—we are ready to purchase them. The systems and missiles are available. Whether Ukraine receives protection from Russian ballistic strikes depends entirely on political decisions,” Zelenskiy added.
The two leaders also visited a local hospital where wounded Ukrainian soldiers were being treated. Following his trip to Ukraine, Rutte travelled to neighbouring Moldova for further discussions on regional security with President Maia Sandu.
Follow us on:
