NATO leader Mark Rutte discussed the war in Ukraine and Kiev’s “victory plan” today with that country’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, after arriving in the Ukrainian capital on his first official trip since becoming NATO’s secretary general.
Zelensky told a joint press conference that he would like to see Kiev’s allies shoot down Iranian missiles and drones used by Russia in attacks on Ukraine, as some of Israel’s allies did when Tehran attacked Israel with missiles this week.
Zelensky also called on allies to allow deep strikes against Russia with self-supplied weapons, saying they were “postponing” their decision.
Allowing Kiev to attack targets deep inside Russia would enhance its ability to disrupt Russian logistics and chains of command. Wary of Russia’s response, Ukraine’s allies refrained from taking such a step.
Rutte confirmed the Western military alliance’s commitment to Ukraine finally becoming a member.
“Ukraine is closer to NATO than ever before and will continue on that path until it secures NATO membership,” he said.
Russia, which launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has long opposed Ukraine joining NATO.
Rutte expressed strong support for Ukraine on Tuesday after taking over as NATO chief from Jens Stoltenberg.
