NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte sent one of the strongest messages to the Kremlin since the beginning of this year on Tuesday, just before the opening of the Alliance summit in Ankara. He stated that „Putin is desperate,” claimed that Ukraine has managed to change the dynamics of the war, and urged allies to accelerate deliveries of weaponry and anti-aircraft defense systems to Kyiv.
The statements come less than 24 hours after a new massive attack launched by Russia on several Ukrainian cities, including Kiev, with missiles and drones.
Speaking at a press conference in Ankara before the start of the NATO summit, Rutte stated, according to Kyiv Post, that Russia cannot win the war through terror and that support for Ukraine must be intensified, as its security is closely linked to the security of the entire Alliance.
"Putin is desperate"
Asked whether the Russian attacks from the previous night were intended to intimidate NATO leaders ahead of the summit, Mark Rutte rejected this idea and stated that they actually show the Kremlin's weakness.
"I think the message sent last night once again shows how desperate Putin is," stated the NATO Secretary-General.
In his view, the situation on the front line has changed in recent months, and the Ukrainian army has managed to prevent the Russian offensive from achieving the gains Moscow anticipated.
"You, Ukrainians, are doing well on the battlefield. You manage to prevent the Russians from making significant advances. Currently, the situation is rather at a standstill," Rutte said, addressing a Ukrainian journalist.
He praised the courage and ingenuity of the Ukrainian armed forces, stating that they "change the dynamics on the battlefield."
Russia cannot win by bombing cities
The NATO chief condemned the attacks launched the previous night on Ukraine, describing them as indiscriminate strikes against civilians and infrastructure. "This is not how Russia can ever win this war," he stated.
Rutte expressed solidarity with the victims of the attacks and emphasized that Ukraine urgently needs more anti-aircraft defense systems. "They need our continuous support, especially when it comes to anti-aircraft defense. Russia continues drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities," he said.
At the same time, the NATO Secretary-General conveyed to allies that support for Kyiv cannot be left to just a few states. "All allies must do their part so that support for Ukraine continues. Ukraine's security is so closely linked to our own security," Rutte stated.
Interceptors are already arriving in Ukraine, but supplies are limited
Asked about the lack of interceptors for anti-aircraft defense systems, Rutte argued that the US-coordinated PURL program is operational, and deliveries are already underway. "Even as we speak, interceptors are being sent to Ukraine and are being used on the battlefield," he said.
However, the NATO Secretary-General admitted that existing stocks in NATO countries are limited and that there is a need for a rapid increase in the production of weapons and ammunition.
According to him, the United States is also trying to expand its defense industry capacity after President Donald Trump called on companies in the field to accelerate production.
"Zelenski is ready for negotiations. Putin refuses"
Rutte made a clear distinction between the positions of Kyiv and Moscow regarding a possible diplomatic solution. "It takes two to tango," stated the NATO chief.
He stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is willing to negotiate with Vladimir Putin "in any format," but the Kremlin leader continues to refuse to participate in such discussions.
Rutte thanked the United States for reopening communication channels with Moscow but avoided stating what could prompt Putin to accept direct negotiations. "It's hard to get into this man's mind," he commented.
Direct message to young Russians
The NATO Secretary-General also addressed the human cost of the war for Russia, stating that Vladimir Putin is willing to accept huge losses among his own soldiers.
According to Rutte, up to 35,000 Russian soldiers could be killed in a single month, a situation he described as "a tragedy for their families."
He also delivered a direct warning to young Russians considering enlisting. "If you are a young person living in Russia and thinking of joining the war, think again. Very likely, you will be one of the 35,000 dead this month, next month, or the month after," Mark Rutte said.
In conclusion, the NATO chief warned that Russia is not alone in its war effort, stating that China, North Korea, and Iran continue to play an essential role in supporting Moscow in the war against Ukraine.