English Section

NATO “mini-summit” in Brussels focuses on Ukraine’s armament and security guarantees

19.12.2024 11:00
Leaders from several NATO countries and top EU officials convened in a private residence of the alliance’s Secretary General Mark Rutte on Wednesday to discuss bolstering Ukraine’s military capabilities and providing the country with robust security guarantees.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (R) meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) at the NATO Secretary Generals Residence in Brussels, Belgium, 18 December 2024.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (R) meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) at the NATO Secretary General's Residence in Brussels, Belgium, 18 December 2024. EPA/OLIVIER MATTHYS / POOL

The meeting, held at a difficult moment for Ukraine’s forces on the frontlines, also took place just weeks before U.S. President Donald Trump assumes office, having signaled a desire to end the conflict swiftly.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was joined by Polish President Andrzej Duda, as well as leaders and top ministers from Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, France, and the United Kingdom. While French President Emmanuel Macron was notably absent—he met with Zelenskyy separately earlier in Brussels—the European Union was represented by the European Commission President and the President of the European Council.

“This is a good opportunity to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine—today and tomorrow,” Zelensky said, stressing that reliable assurances are essential for achieving peace. In the meantime, Ukraine urgently needs additional arms. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte agreed, saying that “it’s crucial to ensure Ukraine is in the strongest possible position if it decides one day to engage in peace talks,” underscoring the need for Kyiv to negotiate from a position of strength if and when dialogue with Russia resumes.

(jh)

Source: IAR, Polskie Radio Dla Zagranicy