NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has urged alliance members to maintain and strengthen military support for Ukraine, saying that the country is changing the course of the war through the determination and innovation of its armed forces but continues to require additional assistance, particularly in air defence.
Speaking during a press briefing ahead of the NATO summit, Rutte praised Ukraine’s military for its resilience in the face of Russia’s ongoing invasion, while warning that continued Russian drone and missile attacks underscore the urgent need for allies to sustain their support.
“Ukraine is changing the dynamics on the battlefield due to the bravery, the dedication, and ingenuity of their armed forces, but they need our continued support, especially when it comes to air defence.”
Mark Rutte
His remarks came as Russia continued launching aerial attacks against Ukrainian cities, targeting civilian infrastructure and other strategic locations. Rutte referred to what he described as another “horrific attack” overnight, saying the latest strikes demonstrated that the conflict remains far from over.
“Russia continues drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities with another horrific attack just last night. So, as Ukraine continues to defend its sovereignty, allies and NATO partners must continue to ensure Ukraine gets what it needs. Let me be clear: all allies need to pull their weight so that our support to Ukraine continues to flow.”
Mark Rutte
Rutte asserted that last night’s strikes on Kyiv show that Russian President Vladimir Putin is “desperate.” He said that Ukraine has been successful in hitting the Russian economy and conducting deep strikes, as well as stopping Russian army from making big advances.
He stressed that the attack “is an indiscriminate attack on innocent civilians, on infrastructure, cities, … with people getting killed” but added, “this is not the way Russia can ever win this war.”
The NATO Chief’s comments reflect the alliance’s continued emphasis on providing Ukraine with military assistance while reinforcing the country’s ability to defend its airspace against increasingly frequent missile and drone attacks. Air defence systems have become one of Kyiv’s highest priorities as Russian forces continue targeting critical infrastructure, energy facilities and densely populated urban centres.
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, NATO member states have provided billions of dollars in military, financial and humanitarian assistance. Although NATO as an organisation does not directly supply weapons, individual member countries have contributed advanced air defence systems, artillery, armoured vehicles, ammunition and training for Ukrainian forces.
Western-supplied air defence systems, including Patriot, NASAMS, IRIS-T and SAMP/T batteries, have played an important role in helping Ukraine intercept incoming missiles and drones. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly appealed for additional systems and interceptor missiles, arguing that stronger air defences are essential to protecting civilians and critical infrastructure.
Rutte said Ukraine’s armed forces have demonstrated remarkable adaptability throughout the conflict, using innovation alongside international military support to respond to evolving battlefield conditions. Rutte has consistently argued that supporting Ukraine is essential not only for the country’s sovereignty but also for the security of the broader Euro-Atlantic region.
Ukrainian authorities have reported repeated overnight strikes on major cities, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to homes, hospitals, schools and energy infrastructure. of the conflict remains severe.
Credible Plans To Reach Defence Spending Target
Additionally, Rutte said that the upcoming NATO summit will be about making sure that countries have “clear, concrete and credible plans” to reach the 5% GDP defence spending target agreed last year in The Hague.
He noted that the progress so far is “impressive,” with “major increases” in investments in core defence, nearly 20% up year on year.
“After years of underinvestment, we are producing real capabilities…we will need more forces, more resources, and a much stronger industrial base.”
Mark Rutte
He added that further changes to the alliance’s structure show that there is “a real shift in mindset, a stronger Europe and a stronger NATO”
Also, Rutte said that allies will announce “tens of billions in new contracts” to “deter and defend,” strengthening its military industries “from Arkansas to Ankara.” He said, “We are investing in our own security, ensuring we have what we need to safeguard our societies today and tomorrow, because the threats we face are real, including from Russia, which continues to wage war on Ukraine.”
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