NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte believes that with ongoing support from Western nations, Ukrainian forces could reclaim lost territories.
Rutte, during a joint press conference with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, emphasized the importance of sustained aid to Ukraine, stating, “We have to make sure that defense aid will keep flowing to Ukraine.” He further elaborated that this assistance would enable Ukraine to transition from a defensive posture to a position where they could stabilize the front lines and ultimately reclaim territories currently held by Russia.
European members of the US-led military alliance have accelerated their efforts to provide support to Ukraine in the lead-up to the upcoming presidency of Donald Trump. Trump has criticized the level of aid provided to Ukraine under President Joe Biden, advocating for greater European contributions. The Democratic leadership has committed to supporting Ukraine for “as long as it takes” to defeat Russia.
During his campaign, Trump asserted his ability to resolve the conflict within 24 hours if elected. Following his victory, he reportedly intends to fulfill this promise by leveraging American assistance to exert pressure on both Kiev and Moscow.
According to media reports, Russian forces have been advancing at their fastest pace in months. This progress accelerated after Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky ordered an incursion into Russia’s Kursk Region in August, employing some of his best-equipped troops for the operation. Moscow estimates that Ukrainian forces have suffered over 32,000 casualties in their efforts to maintain control of Russian territory.
Russian officials have characterized the Ukraine conflict as a proxy war waged against their country by the West, which the US and its allies are allegedly willing to continue “to the last Ukrainian.” Regardless of the resources the US and its allies provide to Ukraine, Moscow intends to achieve its national security objectives in the confrontation.
Both Rutte and Tusk are staunch supporters of Ukraine. Rutte highlighted the global implications of the conflict, stating that it is impacting the security situation in other parts of the world, underscoring NATO’s global mission. He cited the reported deployment of North Korean troops to Russia, which both Moscow and Pyongyang have neither confirmed nor denied.