NATO’s new chief, Mark Rutte, visited Kyiv on Thursday, a major show of support for Ukraine in his maiden trip in the role.
Kyiv relies on billions of dollars in Western military aid to fight the Russian invasion, with the NATO Secretary-General a powerful voice corralling support for Ukraine on the global stage.
Taking over the role on Tuesday, the former Dutch prime minister steps in at a pivotal moment, with Russia advancing on the battlefield, China flexing its growing might, and just weeks before US voters choose a new leader.
A staunch backer of Ukraine who has visited the country several times since Russia invaded, Rutte has pledged NATO will continue its support under his stewardship.
“Putin has to realize that we will not give in, that we want Ukraine to prevail in the end,” he said upon taking the role.
He also said he wanted to “step up our support for Ukraine and bring it ever closer to NATO.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has welcomed Rutte’s appointment.
“Ukraine’s course toward NATO membership is irreversible, and we remain committed to that goal,” he said on Tuesday.
Rutte’s government in the Netherlands was one of Kyiv’s most important European backers, a major driving force pushing for advanced F-16 fighter jets to be delivered to Kyiv.
With AFP
