NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has urged member countries and partners to persist in supplying Ukraine with necessary military aid, especially focusing on air defense systems, as the NATO summit in Turkey approaches. Speaking in Ankara prior to the two-day meeting of the 32-member alliance, Rutte highlighted that while Ukraine has altered the battlefield dynamics, it still depends on continuous international support to uphold its defense capabilities. The summit is anticipated to result in new multi-year commitments to aid Ukraine.
Rutte voiced his condemnation of the recent extensive Russian assaults on Ukrainian cities, which have led to civilian casualties, and noted the uncertainty surrounding what could prompt Russian President Vladimir Putin to engage in substantial peace talks. The attacks underscore the ongoing challenges Ukraine faces in the conflict and the necessity for continued support from NATO and its allies.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb also shared an optimistic view of Ukraine’s current situation, stating that the country has gained strategic momentum. He pointed out that Ukraine’s operations within Russia have shifted international perspectives on the conflict, highlighting the evolving nature of the situation on the ground.
The summit will also address the enhancement of NATO’s defense capabilities. Member nations are working towards a goal of spending 5% of GDP on defense by 2035, a response to the increased demand for improved military readiness. Rutte remarked on the significant rise in defense spending by European NATO members and Canada, noting that these efforts contribute to building a more robust alliance.