Odesa: NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Tuesday backed US President Donald Trump's push for peace in Ukraine as he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the city of Odesa and reiterated continued support against Russia. Rutte and Zelenskyy visited a military hospital and met wounded soldiers in the aftermath of Russia's latest missile strike on Sumy.
According to Anadolu Agency, Rutte reaffirmed the alliance's "unwavering" support for Ukraine during a joint press conference with Zelenskyy, saying its commitment is "clear and concrete." Rutte emphasized that NATO stands firmly with Ukraine, addressing any doubts over continued support. He highlighted NATO's ongoing efforts to deliver security assistance and training through its command in Wiesbaden, Germany, working closely with Kyiv and Brussels.
"In the first three months of 2025, NATO partners have already provided more than pound 20 billion to help Ukraine," Rutte stated, referring to additional pledges made at the latest Ramstein meeting in Brussels. He stressed that the goal is to ensure Ukraine remains strong and sovereign, capable of defending itself and deterring "future aggression."
On Trump's diplomatic efforts to end the more than three-year-long war, Rutte remarked: "These discussions are not easy - not least in the wake of this horrific violence - but we all support President Trump's push for peace." He noted that other allies, including France and the United Kingdom, are prepared to take on more responsibility in securing peace when the time comes.
Zelenskyy acknowledged the importance of Britain, France, and other NATO countries actively preparing the basis for a security contingent in Ukraine. He emphasized the need for swift and effective collaboration and highlighted the significance of NATO's mission to provide security assistance and training for Ukraine in Wiesbaden.
Zelenskyy also presented state awards to injured servicemen, praised their resilience, and honored combat medics for saving lives under fire in Kherson, Kharkiv, and Mykolaiv. He expressed gratitude to all who defend, treat, endure, and support Ukraine, calling them the nation's strength.
On Sunday, a Russian missile strike on the northeastern city of Sumy resulted in at least 35 fatalities and 117 injuries, according to Ukraine's State Emergency Service. Russia claimed it targeted a meeting of Ukrainian officers in Sumy.