Rutte outlines three levels of security guarantees for Ukraine
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte spoke about three levels of guarantees in an interview with the German tabloid Bild, according to Ukrinform.
"We must ensure that Ukraine is never attacked again after a ceasefire or a peace agreement. Putin must understand that another attack would be devastating for him," Rutte emphasized.
He clarified that there are three levels to achieve this. The first level is Ukraine's Armed Forces, which must be in excellent condition and capable of defending the country even after the war or a long-term ceasefire.
The second level, according to the NATO Secretary General, is the Coalition of the Willing, led by France and the United Kingdom with the participation of Germany and other countries. This coalition will provide everything necessary in addition to the Armed Forces of Ukraine so that Putin never again dares to attack. Rutte did not disclose details but assured that some European countries have stated their readiness to send troops.
The third level is the United States. The US president said in August that he was ready to be involved.
Partners are currently working to combine these three elements so that Putin clearly understands that he must never attack Ukraine again, the NATO chief stressed.
Rutte is convinced that US President Donald Trump is absolutely committed and fully focused on ending this war.
"He is the only one who managed to bring Putin to the negotiating table and the only one who can ultimately force him to make peace. I have great respect for him for that," Rutte said.
At the same time, he acknowledged that Trump had "lost his temper" several times and was very frustrated when things dragged on for too long. But in the end, he understands that the American president must assume this leadership role, as he is the only one who can keep this alliance together, Rutte is convinced.
He does not believe that the United States will completely stop helping Ukraine, nor that the US could leave the North Atlantic Alliance. Rutte is absolutely confident that in a crisis situation Europeans will be able to rely on Trump.
He also answered the question of why it is so difficult to achieve peace in Ukraine. According to him, "the reason is Putin. He is willing to sacrifice 1.1 million of his citizens. And this year he has made very little progress – minimal territorial gains, less than 1% of Ukraine's territory compared to the beginning of the year. And for that, by our estimates, up to 1.1 million people on the Russian side have been killed or wounded. It is horrific. But that is the situation we are dealing with."
Overall, Rutte emphasized two main tasks: the urgent need for member states to increase defense spending and production, and to ensure that Ukraine remains as strong as possible in its struggle.
"Because if Russia gains control over all of Ukraine, this will have enormous consequences for NATO – and we would have to spend much more than we agreed in The Hague. If we adhere to these commitments, we will outpace Russia and remain significantly stronger," he stressed.
He also urged against being naive about whatever may happen in Russia. NATO sees a global link between China and Russia. China is looking at Taiwan, and if Beijing takes military action there, it will pressure its junior partner, Russia under Putin, to keep NATO busy in Europe.
As Ukrinform reported earlier, several key European partners of Ukraine, NATO members, as well as the leaders of the EU and NATO, met earlier this week in Berlin with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and representatives of Donald Trump. The result was a joint statement by the Europeans, which, among other things, addressed future security guarantees for Ukraine.
Photo: NATO
