NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte arrived in Kyiv on February 3, addressing the Verkhovna Rada and calling it a "great honor to be here today in the heart of a living, democratic Ukraine."
In his address to lawmakers, the Alliance chief pledged unwavering support, acknowledged the West's past miscalculations in assessing the situation, and stressed that dubious peace deals must be avoided in the future.
Rutte highlighted the resilience of the Ukrainian nation, which continues its fight and democratic development despite daily bombardments and a brutal war now in its fourth year. He recalled his March 2024 visit to Kharkiv, where he witnessed the consequences of Russian aggression firsthand.
"I remember standing at the memorial to young victims of Russian aggression... It moved me then, and it moves me still. Yet, amidst the reminders of loss, I see the immense resistance and endurance of the Ukrainian people," the Secretary General said.
The NATO chief admitted that at the onset of the full-scale invasion, the world underestimated Ukraine's capacity for resistance.
"Putin, like many others, thought he would win, believing Ukraine was weak... We thought we would have to accept that outcome. But we were wrong. Ukraine proved to be strong, and our support arrived," he emphasized.
Mark Rutte assured Kyiv that the Alliance’s focus remains fixed on Ukraine, despite rising global tensions. He cited figures indicating that partners have provided 75% of all missiles and 90% of air defense systems received by Ukraine. He also noted successes in joint arms production and the implementation of Ukrainian innovations.
Touching on peace negotiations, Rutte was categorical: any future agreement must be just and guarantee real security, rather than repeating the mistakes of the past.
"Your peace is our peace. And it must be just and lasting... You would not want a second Budapest Memorandum or another Minsk," the NATO Secretary General stated.
He also acknowledged the intentions of U.S. President Donald Trump's team to end the bloodshed, while noting that Russia continues its war with backing from China, North Korea, and Iran. However, according to Rutte, pressure on the aggressor is taking its toll.
Concluding his speech, Mark Rutte vowed that NATO would stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine for years to come.
"The winter is long, but spring will come. Stay strong," the Secretary General concluded.
Earlier, details of a new security plan for Ukraine were also revealed.