Rutte on Middle East war: Ukraine must not be left without support

European allies are doing everything possible to support the United States and Israel in their operation against Iran without directly taking part in the fighting, but support for Ukraine in its defensive war against Russia must remain a priority.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said this in an interview with ARD, according to Ukrinform.

"Europe is truly committed, without participating in the military operation. It is doing everything possible to enable the U.S. and Israel to do what they are doing," Rutte said.

In his opinion, following the operation by the United States and Israel, the military threat from Iran – especially to Israel – has been significantly reduced.

Rutte also expressed confidence that the fighting in the Middle East would not deplete stocks of missiles for U.S. air defense systems. "As far as stockpiles of air defense systems are concerned, I can assure you: they are extensive. They won't be depleted anytime soon," he said.

Rutte also responded to a question about the possible spread of the conflict to NATO territory: "There is absolutely no one who believes that NATO will be involved here. It's about Iran, the Gulf region. All of that is outside NATO territory."

Separately, the NATO secretary general stressed the importance of continuing support for Ukraine despite the current situation in the Middle East.

"We must do everything to support the Americans, but at the same time ensure that Ukraine is as strong as possible in this fight," he said.

On February 28, the United States and Israel carried out joint strikes on the facilities of the Iranian regime. Iran retaliated with strikes on U.S. bases in Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Jordan.

Earlier, Rutte also stated that NATO forces would not be involved in the joint U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran.

Archive photo