NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced at a press conference in Brussels that the new NATO headquarters in Wiesbaden, Germany, is now ready. The command will coordinate military aid to Ukraine from the West. He added that there will be a meeting of several leaders with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky.
The command is to take over the coordination of aid from the United States. As Reuters reports, this is seen as an effort to protect the support mechanism from skepticism NATO president-elect of the USA Donald Trump.
From 2022, help for Ukraine was coordinated by the Ramstein Group led by United Statesconsisting of approximately 50 countries.
Talks with Zelensky
The NATO chief was asked about the meetings planned for Wednesday with some European leaders and the president of Ukraine.
Rutte said that Volodymyr Zelensky is visiting Brussels because he has a summit meeting with EU leaders. As he noted, the talks are to focus on what the West can do so that Ukraine “from a position of strength can one day decide to start talks with the Russians on how to end all this.”
He added that since “other allies are also in Brussels, it seemed right to invite some of them to this meeting.” Rutte said two things in particular were to be discussed. First, what can the West do to provide Ukraine with more air defense systems and other weapons. Secondly, the talks are to concern support for the Ukrainian economy.
According to the Dutchman, “the most important thing is to focus on ensuring that Kiev achieves a position of strength.” Meanwhile, other issues are expected to be discussed when Zelensky, Putin and others come to the table.
– If we start discussing now what a peace agreement could look like, we will make it easier for the Russians. Because (Russians – ed.) are sitting there in their reclining chairs, listening to our discussions, smoking a good cigar, watching all this TV material, and I don't think it's helpful – said the Secretary General.
Zelensky: ending the war is a fundamental issue
“Europe needs a strong, united position to ensure lasting peace. Every fundamental issue affecting Europe – and ending the war between Russia and Ukraine is undoubtedly one of them – requires coordinated and effective work on the part of European nations,” Zelensky wrote on his profile on platform X shortly after arriving in Brussels on Wednesday.
“During this visit, I will meet with leaders and heads of government from France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, Poland, the Czech Republic, as well as with the Secretary General of NATO, the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission,” he said. – “Representatives of Great Britain and other countries will also be present. I will also take part in the meeting of the European Council,” added the President of Ukraine.
Main photo source: PAP/EPA/OLIVIER HOSLET