NATO’s Rutte Visits Odesa, Reaffirms Support to Ukraine/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte visited Odesa, Ukraine, pledging unwavering alliance support and highlighting over €20 billion in pledged aid for 2025. His trip follows deadly Russian missile strikes and ongoing ceasefire talks led by the U.S. Rutte and President Zelenskyy emphasized post-ceasefire security guarantees and Europe’s defense responsibilities.
NATO Reaffirms Ukraine Support in Odesa Visit – Quick Looks
- NATO Backing: Secretary-General Mark Rutte promises sustained alliance support during Odesa visit.
- Aid Update: Over €20 billion in military assistance pledged in early 2025 alone.
- Meeting with Zelenskyy: Rutte and Ukraine’s president toured a hospital and met wounded soldiers.
- Russia’s Recent Strikes: Sumy attack killed 35 civilians, heightening tensions amid ceasefire talks.
- Ceasefire Talks: Rutte backs Trump-led negotiations despite Russian delays.
- Security Guarantees: Coalition of the willing forming to secure Ukraine post-war.
- Black Sea Focus: Ukraine, France, U.K., and Turkey discuss joint maritime presence.
- US-Ukraine Talks: New mineral resource deal discussed in recent Washington meeting.
NATO’s Rutte Visits Odesa, Reaffirms Support to Ukraine
Deep Look
ODESA, Ukraine – NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte reaffirmed the alliance’s “unwavering” commitment to Ukraine during a high-profile visit to Odesa on Tuesday, pledging continued military and political backing even as ceasefire talks led by the United States remain in flux.
Meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Rutte underscored that NATO allies have already pledged more than €20 billion in security assistance in just the first quarter of 2025. The two leaders toured a local hospital and met with wounded Ukrainian soldiers, underscoring the human cost of Russia’s ongoing assault.
“Ukraine’s people deserve real peace, real safety, and security in their homes,” Rutte said at a joint press conference with Zelenskyy.
Deadly Strike Shadows Visit
The NATO chief’s visit comes just days after Russian ballistic missiles hit the city of Sumy, killing at least 35 civilians, including two children, and wounding 119 more. The Palm Sunday strike targeted a bustling area just 20 miles from Ukraine’s northern border, reigniting international outrage and reinforcing calls for enhanced protective measures for civilians.
Rutte referenced the Sumy attack as evidence that “dialogue remains difficult” in the face of “horrific violence,” but reiterated support for President Trump’s ceasefire initiative, which has held several rounds of discussions in Saudi Arabia.
Ceasefire Talks and NATO’s Role
While Ukraine has endorsed the broader framework of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, Russia has stalled negotiations with new demands. Despite this, Rutte confirmed that NATO is working closely with Kyiv on building “a coalition of the willing” — a multinational military force meant to provide long-term security guarantees after a ceasefire is achieved.
Zelenskyy said that Turkey is emerging as a key player in future Black Sea security plans. Military officials from Ukraine, France, the U.K., and Turkey are currently in talks about establishing a regional security presence aimed at deterring future Russian aggression.
“It’s not about ending the war, unfortunately,” Zelenskyy said. “It’s about ensuring what comes after — true security.”
Black Sea Agreement and European Responsibility
The push for regional security comes just weeks after the U.S. announced a preliminary Black Sea agreement with Russia and Ukraine to avoid naval confrontations. While both sides agreed to “eliminate the use of force”, the Kremlin has since tied its implementation to the lifting of Western sanctions — a move widely viewed as a negotiation ploy.
Rutte framed the coalition discussions as a “test of Europe’s ability” to defend its borders independently, particularly amid U.S. warnings that Europe must assume more responsibility for regional defense going forward.
U.S.-Ukraine Resource Talks Advance
Separately, Zelenskyy confirmed ongoing negotiations with the U.S. over a new bilateral agreement granting American companies access to Ukraine’s strategic mineral resources. The latest round of talks took place last week in Washington and concluded on a “positive note,” according to the Ukrainian leader.
“Our technical teams are continuing discussions this week,” Zelenskyy said, adding that a formal presentation of outcomes would be made once both sides finalize details.
The agreement is seen as part of a broader effort to help Ukraine rebuild its economy and bolster Western investment after a potential ceasefire.
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