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Rutte succeeds Stoltenberg, ‘Ukraine remains a priority for NATO’

by AI | 02.Oct 2024 | Europe in brief AI

Jens Stoltenberg has handed over the baton to Mark Rutte as head of NATO. The former Dutch prime minister confirmed that Ukraine will be one of his priorities, along with deterrence and defense, and global partnerships, primarily with the EU.

Eindhoven (Netherlands), 20/08/2023.- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte give a press conference during a visit to Eindhoven Air Base, Eindhoven, the Netherlands, 20 August 2023. Rutte announced the Netherlands and Denmark will give an unspecified number of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine once conditions for the transfer have been met. (Denmark, Netherlands; Holland, Ukraine) EFE/EPA/ROB ENGELAAR

Brussels (ANSA) – Jens Stoltenberg handed over the baton to Mark Rutte as head of NATO, giving him the gavel of the secretary general, a 1960s collector’s item used only for special occasions, thus completing the long succession process. The former Dutch prime minister confirmed that Ukraine will be one of his “three priorities,” along with deterrence and defense, and global partnerships, primarily with the EU.

The next step, in this sense, will be the summit in Germany in the Ramstein format, this time at the leader level. This was requested by Joe Biden to take stock of military aid and how Kiev can use it, including the coveted long-range missiles. Rutte, pressed on the matter, merely said that “it is up to individual allies to decide” but also said he “understands” Kiev’s requests, which are in line with international law.

“This year – he noted – we have seen Russian forces make some limited gains on the battlefield although these advancements, let’s not forget, have been costly.” “Our expectation is that the North Atlantic Alliance continues to work in the same direction it has been working” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, commenting on Mark Rutte’s appointment as the new secretary general of the Alliance (October 1).