NATO’s Secretary General Rutte, in Odesa, declares ‘unwavering’ support for Ukraine

(Forelines) – Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary General visited the Odesa the southern city Ukraine with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Tuesday and announced “unwavering” aid for Ukraine in the aftermath of deadliest Russia’s strike in the northern city of Ukraine, according to Reuters report.

Mark Rutte’s trip came two days following Russia’s ballistic missile attacks on the Ukrainian city, Sumy on Sunday killed 35 people and injured over 100, as per Reuters, quoting to Ukrainian authorities report.

The visit took place as the U.S. – NATO’s dominant power – is looking for negotiate a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia and it followed recent criticism of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy by United States President Donald Trump.

According to Reuters, Mark Rutte stated the 32-member alliance was still vigorously behind Ukraine, even as it further supported President Trump’s peace plan.

“NATO stands with Ukraine,” Mark Rutte stated at a press conference with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. “You and I know that this has been true all along. I also know that some have called NATO’s support into question in the last couple of months. But let there be no doubt: Our support is unwavering.”

Mark Rutte stated he and President Zelenskiy discussed the negotiations that the President Donald Trump administration was holding with both Moscow and Kyiv.

“These discussions are not easy – not least in the wake of this horrific violence – but we all support President Trump’s push for peace,” Rutte said.

U.S. President DonaldTrump has alleged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of beggining the conflict, which Started when Russian forces occupied Ukraine in February 2022. But Mark Rutte stated there was “no doubt” Russia had started the war.

“Russia is the aggressor, Russia started this war. There’s no doubt,” Mark Rutte said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated the main focus of the negotiations was enhancing Ukrainian air defence.

“Absolutely everyone sees how urgent Ukraine’s need is for air defense systems and missiles for them,” Volodymyr Zelenskiy posted on X, saying Patriot systems, mainly created by United States defence companies Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, as per Reuters report.

“Patriot systems are defensive weapons, and we’re not just asking for Patriots — we are ready to purchase them,”stated by President Zelenskiy.

“This is a purely political matter — the systems are available in the world, the missiles for the Patriots are also available, and whether we will have sufficient protection from Russian ballistic strikes depends entirely on political decisions,” reported by Reuters.

Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Mark Rutte visited a hospital where Ukraine’s troops were reviving from their injuries.

According to President Maia Sandu, Mark Rutte further visited neighbouring Moldova to consider regional security,