Zelenskyy and Rutte discuss Ukraine’s air defense and security guarantees
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official)
During a meeting in Brussels, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed a range of issues with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Key topics included strengthening Ukraine's air defense and security guarantees, according to the official website of the Ukrainian president.
Before meeting with the NATO Secretary General, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of meeting "with all our partners" during his two-day visit to Brussels in order to reach a unified European position on "how to secure Ukraine, how to strengthen our people and, of course, our army."
The Office of the President of Ukraine noted that particular attention was given during the meeting to strengthening the air defense of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, especially during the winter period.
Zelenskyy described his meeting with Rutte on Telegram as "important and very substantive."
"Our talks focused on strengthening air defense for Ukraine and ensuring the reliability of the peace we are collectively working to achieve," the president said.
He also thanked the NATO Secretary General and "all our partners for their willingness to more actively enhance our air shield and work together for effective security guarantees."
"The Alliance will do everything to ensure that Ukraine is as strong as possible when we turn to more active diplomacy," Zelenskyy added.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels (photo: president.gov.ua)
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels (photo: president.gov.ua)
What the NATO Secretary General said
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that the alliance is aware of Ukraine's request for 19 air defense systems to protect critical infrastructure.
He added that this would be on the agenda.
Rutte also noted that NATO must "do everything necessary now to ensure that, when it comes to air defense and other weapon systems, we are doing everything in our power to provide all that we can."
Additionally, Rutte explained that another key topic of the discussions was Ukraine's economy. He mentioned that "the example of Denmark and Lithuania in purchasing Ukrainian weapons is very important in this regard."
The NATO Secretary General said that it was good news because it meant more weapons for Ukraine, as well as money for the Ukrainian economy. He added that it was a very practical way to support them.
