Rutte Reaffirms "Unwavering" Support for Ukraine During Visit to Odesa

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte made an unannounced visit to Ukraine on Tuesday, pledging the alliance’s steadfast support amid ongoing Russian aggression and U.S.-led ceasefire negotiations.

Meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the southern port city of Odesa, Rutte emphasized that NATO allies had already committed over €20 billion in security assistance to Ukraine in the first quarter of 2025. "I'm here today because I believe Ukraine's people deserve real peace, real safety and security in their country, in their homes," Rutte said during a joint press conference.

The visit came days after a Russian ballistic missile strike killed at least 35 people, including two children, in the northeastern city of Sumy. The attack, which also wounded 119, underscored the persistent threat to Ukrainian civilians as the war enters its third year.

Balancing Support and Ceasefire Negotiations

Rutte’s trip marked his first to Ukraine since U.S. President Donald Trump took the lead in brokering ceasefire talks between Kiev and Moscow. While NATO continues to back Ukraine militarily, Rutte expressed support for Trump’s peace efforts, despite the U.S. president’s recent criticism of Zelenskyy.

"These discussions are not easy, not least in the wake of this horrific violence," Rutte said, referencing the Sumy attack. "But we all support President Trump’s push for peace."

Ukraine has endorsed a U.S.-proposed ceasefire framework, but Russia has stalled progress by demanding far-reaching concessions, including the lifting of Western sanctions. Meanwhile, European nations are advancing plans for a "coalition of the willing" to provide long-term security guarantees for Ukraine, independent of U.S. involvement.

Black Sea Security and Defense Needs

Zelenskyy highlighted discussions with NATO members—including France, the UK, and Turkey—on establishing a multinational military presence in the Black Sea as part of future security arrangements. "It's about what comes after—the security guarantees for Ukraine following a ceasefire," he said.

The Ukrainian leader also stressed the urgent need for advanced air defense systems, particularly U.S.-made Patriots, to counter Russian missile strikes. "Whether we will have sufficient protection from Russian ballistic strikes depends entirely on political decisions," Zelenskyy said.

Rutte, who later traveled to Moldova for regional security talks, reiterated NATO’s stance on Russian culpability. "Russia is the aggressor, Russia started this war. There’s no doubt," he said.

As diplomatic efforts continue, Ukraine remains caught between battlefield realities and the uncertain prospects of a negotiated peace.