Volodymyr Zelensky met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels to discuss military assistance, air defense needs, and preparations for the upcoming NATO summit.
During the meeting, Zelensky briefed the NATO chief on the outcomes of his recent talks with international partners at the G7 Summit and the support measures agreed upon to strengthen Ukraine's defense and increase pressure on Russia.
According to the Ukrainian president, one of Kyiv's key priorities remains securing additional interceptors and missiles for Patriot air defense systems. Zelensky also said that efforts are underway to obtain U.S. licenses that would allow the production of air defense equipment in Ukraine.
The two leaders discussed the implementation of the PURL initiative, which aims to expand support for Ukraine through additional partner contributions, as well as broader efforts to strengthen Europe's own anti-ballistic missile capabilities.
Zelensky thanked Rutte for NATO's continued support and for inviting Ukraine to participate in the alliance's upcoming summit, scheduled to take place in Ankara in July. The leaders also discussed ways to maximize the summit's practical benefits for Ukraine's defense needs.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday before a meeting of NATO defense ministers and the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at NATO headquarters, Rutte said the discussion with Zelensky covered the full range of issues related to Ukraine's resistance against Russia's invasion.
"We discussed essentially all the issues we always discuss — how the war is progressing and how we can help Ukraine obtain the weapons systems and air defense capabilities it needs both to continue the fight and to protect its cities and critical infrastructure," Rutte said.
The NATO chief pointed to the heavy losses suffered by Russian forces, noting that monthly Russian casualties are currently estimated at between 30,000 and 35,000 troops.
Rutte also praised the results of the recent G7 Summit, which Zelensky attended before traveling to Brussels.
"I think it was a very good meeting, especially if you look at the G7's final declaration on Ukraine," he said.
Asked about discussions within Europe regarding possible future dialogue with Russia, Rutte declined to comment in detail, describing the issue as a matter for European governments rather than NATO.
"That is a European discussion in which NATO is not involved. We keep each other informed, but as NATO, I should not comment on it," he said.
