US not withdrawing from Ramstein format, support for Ukraine will continue – Rutte

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said this at a press conference in Brussels on Friday, following a two-day meeting of NATO foreign ministers.

He was responding to an Ukrinform journalist's question about whether Hegseth's absence from the upcoming Ramstein-format meeting indicates a U.S. withdrawal from the initiative, and how that aligns with NATO's goal of strengthening Ukraine's position at future peace negotiations.

"The answer is no, and the Brits and the Germans, so the two defense ministers will chair the meeting together, and the flow of American goods and American intelligence into Ukraine is continuing as normal," Rutte said.

The U.S. Secretary of Defense will, for the first time, not participate in a Ramstein-format meeting scheduled for April 11 in Brussels. Hegseth is not expected to attend in person or join virtually.

Photo: PAP/EPA/OLIVIER MATTHYS