New NATO Secretary General calls Ukraine's path to Alliance irreversible
Photo: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (Getty Images)
The new NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has stated the need to support Ukraine and bring it closer to membership in the Alliance. He emphasized that without an independent and strong Ukraine, there would be no reliable security in Europe.
"Supporting Ukraine is the right thing to do. And it is also an investment in our own security. Because an independent and democratic Ukraine is vital for peace and stability in Europe. And the cost of supporting Ukraine is far, far lower than the cost we would face if we allow Putin to get his way. I know from personal experience, with the downing of flight MH17, how the conflict in Ukraine is not contained to the frontlines. It was a tragedy that shook my country ten years ago. One that must never be repeated," he said.
He also emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the tasks set at the Washington Summit to support Ukraine on its irreversible path to NATO.
"At the Washington Summit, Allies agreed a support package for Ukraine, including with a NATO command, a long-term financial pledge, and an irreversible path to membership. I will work with Allies to ensure that we fully implement our decisions and that we continue to bring Ukraine ever closer to NATO," Rutte added.
Mark Rutte is new NATO Secretary General
On October 1, Jens Stoltenberg officially handed over the powers of NATO Secretary General to former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
Rutte is an active supporter of Ukraine. He played an important role in convincing the United States to send F-16s to strengthen Ukraine's defense.
NATO member states considered several candidates for the post of secretary general, including UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace, but the United States did not support his candidacy.
In the end, former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte was elected as NATO Secretary General. His candidacy was supported by all the allies after lengthy negotiations and overcoming the disagreement of Hungary, Turkey, and Slovakia.
Read more about the new NATO Secretary General and his position on Ukraine in RBC-Ukraine's article.
