NATO Chief: Stronger Military Support Strengthens Ukraine’s Position in Future Talks With Russia

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized that the stronger the alliance's military support for Ukraine, the stronger the country's position will be at the negotiating table.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the NATO Foreign Ministers meeting on December 3, first to be chaired by him, Rutte reaffirmed that Ukraine has the right to defend itself, and NATO members have a duty to assist Kyiv.

“We need to continue our steadfast support. In Washington, Allies agreed to a financial pledge of 40 billion euros in security assistance for this year, and we remain committed to this pledge. And I very much welcome recent announcements of more military aid by the US, Germany, Sweden, Estonia, Lithuania, and Norway,” Rutte said.

He also highlighted the establishment of a new NATO Command in Wiesbaden, Germany, which will coordinate security assistance and training for Ukraine.

“This makes our support more steadfast, and also sustainable,” he added.

Rutte emphasized the critical importance of ensuring that military aid reaches Ukraine, noting that it is essential for the country’s future negotiations with Russia. “What is necessary now is to make sure that the military aid will go to Ukraine, because it’s now crucial for them, if they decide to have the talks with Russia in one day, they will do this from the position of strength.”

The NATO Secretary General also announced that the NATO-Ukraine Council would meet that evening for the first time with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

Rutte further noted that new EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, would also attend the meeting, emphasizing that “NATO and the EU must work closely together in our support for Ukraine.”

NATO Foreign Ministers will gather in Brussels on December 3-4, 2024, to focus on support for Ukraine and regional security. The NATO-Ukraine Council is set to meet on December 3 as part of the discussions.