Rutte highlighted NATO countries commitment to a “strong and lasting peace in Ukraine”.
The NATO Chief acknowledged the challenges faced by governments in increasing defense spending.
“At the same time, my colleagues and I at this table are absolutely convinced that, given the threat from Russia and the global security situation, there is no alternative,” he added.
Earlier, Rutte confirmed that Ukraine will be mentioned in the final communiqué of this year’s NATO summit.
It was earlier reported that US President Donald Trump will meet with 32 NATO leaders at the Hague summit and likely hold a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The NATO leaders’ summit is being held in The Hague on June 24–25 — the first under Mark Rutte leadership, the new NATO Secretary General and former Dutch Prime Minister.
Some Western media earlier suggested that the main topic is expected to be the Middle East, while the war in Ukraine may be pushed into the background.
The Washington Post reported that among Ukraine’s European allies, there is a growing understanding that the Trump administration is not prepared to offer Kyiv new military assistance.