Mark Rutte Prioritizes Ukraine as New NATO Secretary General

Mark Rutte, who officially assumed the role of NATO Secretary General on October 1, has declared that Ukraine will be a top priority in his leadership of the Alliance.

Speaking ahead of the handover ceremony at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Rutte emphasized that he will carry forward the key priorities established by his predecessor, Jens Stoltenberg.

"Ukraine. We have to make sure that Ukraine prevails as a sovereign, independent and democratic nation," Rutte stated, underscoring that Ukraine is "at the top of the list" of his priorities.

In addition to Ukraine, Rutte highlighted deterrence and the defense of the Alliance as other key focuses.

"We have to spend more. We have to increase our collective defense," Rutte said.

He also affirmed that, like Stoltenberg, he will work to strengthen NATO’s alliances with partners around the globe.

"One thing will not change, that is NATO's core mission, and that is to make sure that we defend our people, our nations, and, of course, our values," Rutte concluded.

Rutte was officially confirmed as NATO Secretary General in June of this year.