“There can be no peace in Europe without real peace in Ukraine.“ NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said this during a ceremony at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels, dedicated to the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion, BTA reports.
According to him, when the fighting ends, the peace must be sustainable, and the Ukrainian army - strong enough to prevent a new attack. “If he is serious about peace, Putin must show it”, Rutte said, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. He also noted that US President Donald Trump has clearly stated his desire for the war to end as soon as possible.
Rutte stressed that NATO has supported Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict and will continue to do so in the future. According to him, it is imperative that Kiev receive the necessary humanitarian, financial and military assistance.
“Promises do not stop the war. We need ammunition until the fighting is over“, he emphasized.
The Secretary General also noted that Russia has not achieved its goals on the battlefield and stressed that the Ukrainian people deserve a lasting and just peace. The statement was made to diplomats and military representatives of the alliance's member states.