Russia must understand weapons flow to Ukraine will not stop, says NATO chief
Photo: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (Getty Images)
The most effective way to pressure Russia is through continuous weapons deliveries to Ukraine and strict economic sanctions, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said ahead of the North Atlantic Council meeting at the level of foreign ministers.
"The best way to put pressure on the Russians is by doing two things. One is making sure that Russians understand that a weapon flow into Ukraine will keep on going," Rutte said.
The US, with support from Canada and Europe, is already sending critically needed equipment, while Europe and Canada are also working separately to support Ukraine's defense capabilities.
"And secondly, making sure that economic sanctions bite, they are effective," he said, adding that the US and Europe are working together to maximize the effect of sanctions.
Rutte emphasized that this dual strategy will change Putin’s calculations and help accelerate the end of the war.
Weapons for Ukraine
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, the West has actively supplied Ukraine with weapons, including artillery, armored vehicles, drones, and modern anti-tank systems.
The US, Europe, and Canada not only fund these deliveries but also coordinate them to ensure continuous support for the Ukrainian army and compensate for losses at the front.
Weapons supplies have become a critical factor enabling Ukraine to defend its territory and strengthen positions on key fronts.
In addition to material aid, Western countries provide training and logistical support, increasing the effectiveness of the weapons.
This comprehensive support forms the basis of the West's strategy: combining military aid and sanctions to pressure the Kremlin and speed up the war's end.
Rutte also stressed that allies should allocate at least $1 billion per month for US weapons supplies to Ukraine. Previously, Ukraine requested that European partners provide additional billions of euros by the end of the year.
It was also reported that the administration of US President Donald Trump approved the first two packages of military aid to Ukraine under the PURL program.
Moreover, the European Union has adopted new initiatives to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities, further enhancing its ability to resist aggression.
