NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed that member states have pledged over €20 billion in military assistance to Ukraine during the first three months of 2025, signaling sustained allied support amid growing diplomatic pressure for a negotiated end to the war.
Speaking ahead of a two-day meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels, Rutte emphasized the alliance’s unity, stating, “I’m absolutely convinced this alliance is here to stay, with the United States. Their commitment is crystal clear,” as reported by Digi24.
Focus on Defense Spending and Strategic Coordination
The Brussels summit is set to prioritize strengthening collective defense across the Euro-Atlantic region. Rutte reaffirmed calls for higher defense spending, advocating for allied nations to raise military budgets “well beyond 3%” of GDP. A formal decision on increased targets is expected at NATO’s June summit in The Hague.
Rutte also addressed recent concerns about diminishing U.S. support for Ukraine, particularly in light of President Donald Trump’s efforts to broker a peace deal. While expressing backing for diplomatic initiatives, Rutte emphasized the need for a “durable” agreement that ensures Russia cannot repeat its aggression.
He confirmed that NATO’s coordination center in Wiesbaden, Germany, will continue overseeing military support and training for Ukrainian forces.
Remembering Bucha and Countering Russian Influence
Marking three years since the Bucha massacre, Rutte stressed that the atrocities committed by Russian forces underscore the urgency of ending the war. “We will never forget the disaster in Bucha,” he said. “The war Russia continues to wage, with support from China, Iran, and North Korea, threatens not only Ukraine, but global security.”
Rutte voiced strong support for U.S., UK, French, and broader European efforts to foster conditions for peace, but reiterated that any resolution must address the root causes of the conflict.
He also briefly addressed Arctic security, highlighting Greenland’s strategic importance and the need for NATO’s Arctic members to remain vigilant against Russia’s growing interests in the region.
The €20 billion pledged this quarter adds to the roughly €50 billion in military aid provided by NATO countries throughout 2024.
