"It is crucial that whatever comes out of those talks, it is durable, it is enduring," Rutte stated to reporters in Brussels before meeting with the alliance's defense ministers.
He also underscored the importance "that Ukraine is closely involved in everything happening about Ukraine."
Rutte: Lasting peace in Ukraine requires Kyiv’s involvement
Mark Rutte also welcomed U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to NATO, emphasizing the need to strengthen the alliance. He stressed the importance of higher defense spending, boosting production, and Europe taking a bigger role in supporting Ukraine.
NATO leaders plan two thematic sessions - one focused on defense issues and another featuring an informal NATO-Ukraine Council meeting. This session will include Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
Poland is represented by Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
Brussels, Belgium, Feb. 13, 2025 – Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz at the NATO defense ministers' meeting. Discussions focus on ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, strengthening transatlantic defense industries, and countering Russian destabilization efforts. Photo: PAP/Wiktor Dąbkowski
Source: IAR/PAP/X/@SecGenNATO/@MON_GOV_PL
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