Rutte praises Germany's leadership in supporting Ukraine

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said this at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin on Thursday, Ukrinform reports.

"Germany continues to be a driving force behind the support to Ukraine. You are helping Ukraine defend its sovereignty today – and deter future aggression," Rutte said.

He stressed that this role is "vital" as NATO continues to support the urgent efforts to bring Russia's war against Ukraine "to a just and lasting end."

Rutte noted that this matters not only for Ukraine, but for the security of the whole Euro-Atlantic area.

"As we face continued threats to our security, I am grateful to see Germany as a leading power within the Alliance, inspiring other European Allies to follow. This is crucial as we work to ensure that we can continue to deter aggression and defend our freedom and our way of life. We know we can count on Germany, and Germany can count on NATO," he said.

Rutte also highlighted Germany's allocation of more than EUR 108 billion for security and defense in 2026, as well as its commitment to reach the goal of investing 3.5% of GDP in core defense capabilities by 2029 – six years ahead of the target endorsed at the Hague summit.

According to Rutte, this is "a truly impressive shift demonstrating exactly the kind of resolve we need to ensure our security."

Archival photo: NATO