Ukraine’s priorities include joining NATO, implementing the decisions of the Alliance's Washington Summit, and jointly intercepting Russian missiles and drones. This was the focus of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s discussion with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte during their meeting in Kyiv.
This is Mark Rutte’s first foreign visit as the leader of the North Atlantic Alliance. President Zelenskyy noted that this visit immediately clearly outlines the current priorities, indicating where the defense of shared Euro-Atlantic values is taking place right now.
“Our key goal is Ukraine’s full NATO membership. Ukraine can become the thirty-third member of NATO. Ukrainians deserve this,” said the President.
During the meeting, the parties thoroughly discussed the prospects for cooperation, the Victory Plan and the feasibility of Ukraine's approach to a just end to the war, the situation on the battlefield, and the needs of our units, including weapons and brigade staffing.
“Ukraine needs to strengthen its positions on the frontline so that we can increase pressure on Russia for the sake of fair, real diplomacy. That is why we need a sufficient quantity and quality of weapons, including long-range weapons, the provision of which, in my opinion, is being delayed by our partners,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
A separate focus of the discussion was Ukraine’s air defense needs. It is crucial for Ukraine that all air defense agreements, including those reached at the NATO Summit in Washington this July, are implemented before winter begins. Additionally, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mark Rutte discussed additional cooperation with neighboring countries, drawing on examples from the Middle East.
“Jointly intercepting Iranian missiles is no different from jointly intercepting Russian missiles, and especially "Shaheds," which link the Russian and Iranian regimes. What we need in our region is more determination from our partners to put an end to Russian terror,” the President emphasized.
Mark Rutte noted that, as NATO Secretary General, he will do everything possible to increase support for Ukraine.
“Your security matters for ours. Your fight for freedom reflects our core principles and values,” he said.
According to the NATO Secretary General, member states of the Alliance plan to boost their own defense capabilities and strengthen Ukraine’s defense industry.
“Ukraine is closer to NATO than ever before. And we will continue on this path until you become a member of our Alliance. I very much look forward to that day,” said Mark Rutte.
