Rutte: Ukraine security directly linked to
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed the progress in supporting Ukraine, emphasizing the direct link between Ukraine's security and that of the Alliance's members.
"While we continue to ensure our own defence, we continue to support Ukraine. Their security is linked to ours," the official stated at a press conference during the meeting of NATO Defence Ministers, held on Wednesday in Brussels.
The military aid is being delivered through the PURL programme, officially titled "Prioritised Ukraine Requirements." This initiative facilitates the provision of essential US military equipment, which is financed by the Allies.
The programme's initial funding was provided by just six allies—Germany, Canada, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands. However, following the North Atlantic Council meeting on October 15, more than half of the NATO members have already committed to continuing this vital support for Ukraine.
Direct military support for Ukraine is a key objective for the Alliance, and Mr Rutte guaranteed that it will continue for the long term. Through the PURL programme, Ukraine receives the equivalent of $1 billion monthly in the form of lethal and non-lethal ammunition and military equipment.
In the same context, the NATO Secretary General reported that the meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council, with the participation of Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov and EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas, will be followed by a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group. This group supports US-led efforts to end the conflict and ensure a sustainable peace.
Mark Rutte strongly condemned the continuing Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, especially on energy networks, highlighting their impact on the population before the cold season. "Russia continues to attack Ukraine day after day, night after night, targeting the population and civilian infrastructure, including energy networks, as winter approaches. Leaving people without heat, light, and water."
The situation in the Republic of Moldova, a NATO partner state facing increasing threats from Russia, was also addressed in the context of regional security. Mr Rutte stated that the subject was not discussed in detail during the meeting but assured that close cooperation is in place between the European Union, NATO, and the Republic of Moldova.
"Maia Sandu and I have known each other for many years. I am an admirer of her leadership. Wherever she believes we can be helpful, we try to help. And that can be NATO as a whole, it can be individual allies who get involved," he said, without elaborating.
Separately, the UK Defence Ministry announced, ahead of the NATO Allied Defence Ministers' meeting, that it would deploy a contingent of military experts specializing in counter-drone measures to Moldova. This is an effort to strengthen its defence capabilities in the face of an escalating regional context.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
