Rutte mocks Putin over May 9 parade, saying it was held faster than Ukraine had allowed
Photo: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (Getty Images)
Ukraine has achieved significant success in destroying the enemy’s military potential, so even the holding of a parade in Russia now depends on the decision of the Ukrainian authorities, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said this during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv.
According to the Alliance’s Secretary General, Ukrainian forces are becoming increasingly successful both on the front line and in eliminating Russia’s ability to continue the war.
He mocked the situation surrounding the May 9 military parade in Moscow, noting that the Russian leader can now organize it only on the basis of an official decree from Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"I think for two hours you allowed him to do it (to have the parade - ed.), and he ended it in 1 hour and 55 minutes,” Rutte emphasized.
Ukraine–NATO Council and the situation on the front line
The NATO Secretary General said that the first meeting of the Ukraine–NATO Council took place today. In his assessment, this is a strong signal of robust bilateral relations.
He also assured that the Alliance’s determination to support Ukraine remains unwavering.
Rutte emphasized that Russia’s recklessness is nothing new, but said that as Ukraine continues to stand firm, innovate, and achieve victories on the battlefield, Russia is increasingly becoming desperate. He also noted that Russia’s losses are significant, exceeding 30,000 per month.
On the evening of May 8, US President Donald Trump stated that, at his request, Ukraine and Russia had agreed to a ceasefire on May 9, 10, and 11. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed Kyiv’s readiness to support the ceasefire.
In addition, Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree excluding Red Square from the list of potential Ukrainian targets for May 9, effectively allowing Russia to hold its military parade in Moscow.
