Athens (Eurotoday) – Mark Rutte has said that NATO “needs to go further” to defend Ukraine in its fight against a Russian invasion and blamed Moscow for dangerously escalating the dispute by bringing in thousands of North Korean troops.
NATO’s new secretary-general has stated that “In pursuing its illegal war in Ukraine, Russia makes use of North Korean weapons and troops, Iranian drones and Chinese dual-use goods for its defence industry.” “This is a dangerous development of the war and a challenge to global peace and security.”
Mr Rutte, an ex-Dutch prime minister met Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens and thanked him for Greek backing for Ukraine that includes weapons and ammunition, as well as activity for F-16 pilots and technicians. “Our support for Ukraine has kept them in the fight, but we need to go further to change the trajectory of the conflict,” Mr Rutte expressed.
Mr Rutte’s journey to Athens follows discussions with Mr Trump in Florida and Turkish leaders in Ankara. He also held discussions with Greek foreign affairs minister George Gerapetritis and defence minister Nikos Dendias. Several thousand protesters paraded through central Athens in resistance to the NATO chief’s visit.
How is Greece contributing to Ukraine’s defence efforts?
Greece pays more than 3% of its gross domestic product on security, above the 2% determined minimum for NATO members, and is pursuing a change in European Union budget rules to authorise greater military spending. It also wants to assist create a common European air defence system. Mr Mitsotakis stated: “We agree on one of the fundamental priorities for all allies: the need to strengthen our collective defence, a goal that requires a strong defence industry with significant investments.” He said that Athens supports “a more functional relationship between NATO and the European Union, to further strengthen the European pillar of the alliance”
Europe’s NATO members have been debating plans to increase defence investments for months due to the continuing war in Ukraine and uncertainty surrounding the incoming US administration following the election victory of President-elect Donald Trump.
Comments
One response to “NATO’s Mark Rutte Urges Increased Support for Ukraine”
-
Oh, fantastic! Just what we needed – a multi-national chat fest while Ukraine’s getting a right bashing! Bravo, Mark, maybe next time try suggesting a bake sale instead of more weapons? 🍰😏
Last News
Oliynykova Fuels Debate Amid Russian Athletes Controversy at Paris 2026
Beijing Warns of Retaliation Against EU Restrictions on China Imports
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held an orientation debate with her 26 commissioners to consider policy measures to rectify the EU’s worsening trade imbalance with China. An influx of Chinese products, including vehicles, solar panels, and clothing, is negati
Understanding Your Rights: Utilizing EU Transparency Laws as a European Citizen
Ever wondered how decisions in Brussels are made? Curious about who your elected officials meet with or how European taxpayer funds are utilized?
The European Union can seem like a remote, complex system. However, as an EU citizen or resident, you have a potent means of holding these entities accountable: the right of access to documents.
This guide will help you use EU transparency laws to unco
Drone Strike Near Zaporizhzhia Plant Raises Nuclear Security Concerns, Enerhodar, Ukraine, 2026
Attal Emphasizes Rift with Macron in Initial Rally for French Presidential Campaign
“My first promise is that we will once again become Europe’s leading power within six years. That is our rank, our place, our destiny,” he said, ple
8 Reasons Your Dog Sneaks Into Your Bed at Night
There’s something special about that moment when, in the middle of the night, you feel something warm and fuzzy nestling next to you under the covers. For many owners, this scene is familiar (and, let’s be honest, we never tire of it!) – our dog quietly sneaks into bed, curls up at our feet, or even secures a spot next to us on the pillow. While this may sometimes seem like a cute habit or a bit
101 and Still Going Strong: Henri, a Brave Belgian Warrior
As one of only three known Belgian survivors of the famous Piron Brigade, Henri knows what he is talking about.
The Belgo-Luxembourg unit went down in military folklore after it took part in the Liberation of Normandy and Be
AUKUS Launches Undersea Drone Initiative to Strengthen Defense Partnership
Canaan
The Canaanites were t
Soaring High: Iconic Aircraft’s Model Version Takes Flight
But the latest addition to the collection of models at Brussels’ Mini-Europe, Belgium’s captivating world of miniature monuments, displays, and animations, has already taken off with visitors.
The replica of Emirates Airbus A380 aircraft, reproduced to the finest detail, has taken its place among the 350 icons at the 22,00
Leave a Reply