NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited the southern Ukrainian port city of Odesa on Tuesday alongside President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, reaffirming the alliance’s “unwavering” support for Ukraine in the aftermath of a deadly Russian missile strike in the country’s north.
The high-profile visit came just days after Russian ballistic missiles struck the city of Sumy, killing 35 people and injuring more than 100, according to Ukrainian officials. It also coincided with renewed U.S.-led efforts to broker a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia—talks that have been met with skepticism from both Kyiv and Moscow.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Zelenskiy, Rutte underscored NATO’s continued backing for Ukraine. “NATO stands with Ukraine,” he said. “I know there have been doubts about our resolve in recent months, but let me be clear: our support is unwavering.”
Addressing the ongoing negotiations being spearheaded by the United States, Rutte acknowledged the difficulties involved. “The talks are not easy—especially after such horrific violence—but we all support President Trump’s push for peace,” he said.
His remarks followed recent controversy after President Donald Trump claimed Ukrainian President Zelenskiy was responsible for initiating the war—despite Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Rutte strongly rejected the assertion. “Russia is the aggressor. Russia started this war. There’s no doubt about that,” he stated firmly.
During the visit, Zelenskiy again highlighted Ukraine’s pressing need for advanced air defence systems, particularly the U.S.-made Patriot missile systems developed by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.
“Everyone understands how critical our need is for air defence systems and missiles,” Zelenskiy said. “We’re not just asking—we are ready to purchase them. The systems exist. Whether we receive them depends entirely on political decisions.”
The two leaders also toured a local hospital where Ukrainian soldiers wounded in recent battles were receiving treatment. After concluding his visit to Ukraine, Rutte travelled to neighbouring Moldova for talks with President Maia Sandu on regional security and stability in Eastern Europe.
