“We must ensure that Ukraine survives as a sovereign, independent, democratic nation” – Rutte

During the powers acceptance ceremony at the NATO headquarters in Brussels on October 1, Mark Rutte emphasized his primary responsibility of supporting Ukraine in its battle against Russian aggression.

Rubryka writes about this.

It should be noted that on October 1, Mark Rutte officially began the Secretary General of NATO duties, replacing Jens Stoltenberg in this position.

^{Photo: X / NATO}

"On this historic day, we bid farewell to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and welcome new Secretary Mark Rutte," the NATO account on the X social network reads.

The handover ceremony took place at NATO headquarters in Brussels, where Rutte addressed the Alliance's staff at a meeting of the North Atlantic Council. After that, he will give his first press conference as the organization's new head.

Ahead of the swearing-in ceremony at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Tuesday, Rutte said that Ukraine would be at the top of his list of priorities as the new head of the alliance.

"Ukraine. We must ensure that Ukraine survives as a sovereign, independent, democratic nation," he said.

According to him, other priorities will be deterrence and defense of the Alliance.

"We have to spend more. We have to increase our collective defense," Rutte stressed.

He also noted that, like Stoltenberg, he will build NATO alliances with partners around the world.

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Rutte, who retired as the prime minister of the Netherlands this year after an impressive 14-year term leading the government, strongly advocates for Ukraine and its struggle against Russian aggression. He consistently voiced his backing for providing military assistance to Ukraine and urged European countries to bolster their defense capabilities.

His commitment to supporting Ukrainian sovereignty and independence was reflected in numerous statements during his tenure as prime minister.

He called for an increase in military aid to Ukraine, advocated expanding sanctions against Russia, and strengthened the defense of NATO countries, especially those located on the alliance's eastern flank.

One of Rutte's critical tasks in his new position will be to continue the work of his predecessor, Jens Stoltenberg, in rallying allies around support for Ukraine.