NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Ukraine’s security guarantees will include military reinforcement and US-European commitments deterring Russia. Rutte stressed NATO’s support for Ukraine “remains unwavering” and “continues to grow” during his Kyiv visit. After meeting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, he confirmed NATO funding will maintain “a crucial flow of lethal US weapons to Ukraine.” Rutte added that Donald Trump assured US involvement in providing security guarantees after this week’s White House meeting.
Zelenskyy Calls for Lasting Protection Against Russia
Rutte said Ukraine, Europe, and the US are crafting guarantees strong enough to discourage future Russian aggression. Discussions continue about possible foreign troop deployment, but outcomes remain unclear. Zelenskyy said, “Ukraine needs guarantees so our children and grandchildren know Russia cannot attack us.” He added that final agreements must include military, naval, air, and intelligence commitments.
Uncertainty Surrounds Possible Zelenskyy-Putin Meeting
Trump met Vladimir Putin in Alaska before hosting Zelenskyy and European leaders in Washington. Trump then proposed a Zelenskyy-Putin summit. Zelenskyy said he remains ready, but Moscow repeatedly rejects the idea. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov insisted, “The agenda is not ready at all.” Zelenskyy, alongside Rutte in Kyiv, accused Moscow of blocking diplomatic talks. He urged partners to pressure Russia with stronger sanctions, saying Ukraine remains “ready to work productively, to the maximum.”
