Brussels: NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has reiterated the alliance's support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia, emphasizing the importance of allowing Ukraine to utilize Western-supplied weapons without any restrictions. Rutte's comments came as the war reached its 1,000th day, highlighting the need for flexibility in military assistance. According to Anadolu Agency, Rutte, speaking ahead of a meeting with European defense ministers in Brussels, stated, "When allies deliver weapons systems to Ukraine, it is best not to put restrictions on them." He emphasized the need for discretion, saying, "Let's not communicate too much and not make our adversaries more wise than is necessary." Rutte expressed concern about Russia's growing alliances with North Korea, Iran, and China, warning that these partnerships pose significant global security risks. He pointed out that North Korea is supplying troops to Russia, which in return is providing missile technology, thereby enhancing North Korea's deter rence capabilities. He further noted China's role in aiding Russia through 'sanction circumvention' and the provision of 'dual-use goods,' and criticized Iran for using payments from Russia to bolster its proxies in the Middle East. Rutte warned that these developments threaten not only regional stability but also the security of countries like Japan, South Korea, and the United States. In his address, Rutte praised Ukraine's resilience in the face of Russian aggression, highlighting the alliance's commitment to ensuring Ukraine's success. He stressed the importance of supporting Ukraine as a means of safeguarding global democracy and security, warning of the consequences of an emboldened Russia. Rutte called on NATO members to increase their defense production and spending, underscoring the need to strengthen the transatlantic defense industrial base. While acknowledging progress toward NATO's 2% GDP defense spending target, he argued that current efforts are insufficient and urged for increased investmen t to maintain long-term deterrence capabilities.