In Odesa, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to discuss the security of Ukraine and the whole of Europe.
The Head of State expressed gratitude for the unwavering support for Ukraine since the earliest days of the full-scale Russian aggression, when Mark Rutte was still serving as Prime Minister of the Netherlands. The President noted that just as many important things were achieved together back then, much can now be accomplished through joint efforts.
"Absolutely everyone sees how urgent Ukraine's need is for air defense systems and missiles for them. We discussed this at length today. Everyone sees how important it is to maintain pressure on Russia for this war and to push it toward a real willingness to move forward in diplomacy," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
In addition, the meeting addressed various formats of cooperation between Ukraine and NATO member states. Our country is grateful for the continued functioning of the Ramstein format. According to the President, it is important to preserve its effectiveness and the broad engagement of all partners.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mark Rutte also dedicated a significant part of their conversation to relations with the United States and U.S. efforts in negotiations with Russia.
"For 35 days now, Putin has been ignoring the U.S. proposal for a full ceasefire. The recent Russian strikes on Kryvyi Rih, Sumy, and other cities show that the Russians are not only determined to continue the war but are rather the ones putting pressure on the West than feeling the strength of pressure themselves," the Head of State noted.
He also underscored that Ukraine counts on the implementation of all air defense-related agreements with partners in Europe and the United States.
"It is also important that we all keep working together within the framework of the coalition of the willing and capable of guaranteeing security. The United Kingdom, France, and other NATO countries are already actively laying the foundation for a security contingent in Ukraine," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
Mark Rutte condemned the Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities, including the attack on Sumy with two ballistic missiles on Palm Sunday.
"I am here today because I believe the people of Ukraine deserve real peace, real safety, and security in their country, in their homes. My heart goes out to the people of Ukraine. Those who have lost loved ones in these recent strikes and over the years. Those who have been injured, lost their homes, or had their dreams shattered by this unjust and unlawful war," said the NATO Secretary General.
He also reaffirmed that the North Atlantic Alliance will continue to stand with Ukraine. According to him, in the first three months of this year, NATO member states pledged over €20 billion in security assistance to Ukraine for 2025.
