Rutte: NATO countries to commit to long-term assistance to Ukraine at summit in Türkiye

At the NATO summit in Ankara, Türkiye, next week, allies will commit to providing sustainable, predictable, and long-term security assistance to Ukraine, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said in Berlin at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.

Report quotes him as saying the summit participants will also focus on increasing defense spending, increasing arms production, and developing the defense industry in alliance countries.

Rutte noted the need to maintain pressure on Russia, as he believes that even after the war against Ukraine ends, Moscow will remain a long-term threat to Euro-Atlantic security.

Rutte also praised Germany's efforts to increase defense spending, stating that the country is on track to reach 3.5% of GDP by 2029. The secretary general called this an extraordinary achievement and an example of political resolve in the face of a deteriorating security situation.