Our goal is for the war in Ukraine to end so that Russia no longer tries to attack it, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said today at a press conference after the end of the meeting of the alliance's defense ministers in Brussels, BTA reported.
We are convinced that the United States can break the ice and has done so, he said regarding Washington's efforts to achieve an end to the fighting. It is vital for US security that NATO be strong, but also that there is a strong European presence in the alliance. That is why we are increasing defense spending, Rutte explained.
According to him, a visible change in thinking was noted at today's meeting. There is a common view that stronger European defense is needed in NATO, he said. Allies are united in their support for Ukraine and in their determination to defend every inch of our land, Rutte added. Whatever challenge to our security we face, we will overcome it when we work together, the Secretary-General of the pact summed up.
The UN has called on Russia to "immediately" its attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, which have left entire cities in the dark and without heat, and recalled that "attacks on civilian infrastructure are prohibited by international law," Agence France-Presse reported.
"Last night, Russia again launched a massive attack on energy infrastructure across Ukraine. "Hundreds of thousands of civilians woke up without electricity and heating," said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, as Ukraine endured its coldest winter in four years.
"Attacks on civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international humanitarian law. I call on Russia to immediately cease these strikes," he added.