EditRutte in Kyiv: NATO vows sustained military support as Russia steps up winter attacks
The alliance chief stresses lasting peace and security guarantees, as Ukrainian MPs welcome his messages but warn against delays
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited Kyiv on 3 February, delivering a strong message of continued support for Ukraine at a time of intensified Russian attacks and mounting pressure on civilian infrastructure. Speaking before the Verkhovna Rada, Rutte said backing the Ukrainian Armed Forces remains a central priority for NATO allies and partners.
Addressing lawmakers at the opening of the parliament’s plenary session, Rutte described it as “a great honour” to speak in the heart of a country that continues to function democratically despite daily bombardment, EUalive’s partner Suspilne reports. He praised Ukrainians for their resilience and emphasised that Russia is increasing its efforts to destroy the country, but insisted that the war – and support for Kyiv, remains firmly on NATO’s agenda.
“Every day, we continue our close dialogue, including in the NATO-Ukraine Council. Every day, we are assisting, equipping and training the Ukrainian armed forces. So that you can defend today and deter any future aggression,” Rutte said, adding that NATO’s command in Germany continues to coordinate military assistance and training.
He highlighted the role of the PURL initiative, through which allies purchase U.S.-made weapons for Ukraine, noting that around 75% of missiles delivered to Ukraine in the summer of 2025 arrived through this mechanism, most of them for air defence.
Rutte underlined that NATO’s objective is to ensure a “lasting peace” for Ukraine, which requires not only a strong military but also credible security guarantees. According to him, Europe, the U.S. and Canada are working within a “coalition of the willing” to prepare such guarantees.
“Some European Allies have announced that they will deploy troops to Ukraine after a deal is reached. Troops on the ground, jets in the air, ships on the Black Sea. The United States will be the backstop, others have vowed to support in other ways,” he said.
The NATO chief also pointed to Russia’s overnight attacks as evidence that Moscow is not serious about peace efforts, noting continued support for Russia from China, Iran and North Korea. He warned that Ukraine must be certain that aggression will not be repeated once the war ends.
“You rightly do not want another Budapest Memorandum or a Minsk Agreement,” Rutte said, referring to previous failed security arrangements. “The winter is very long, but spring will come.”
Mixed reactions in parliament
Ukrainian lawmakers broadly welcomed Rutte’s assurances, while also voicing concerns about the absence of clear references to NATO membership. Andriy Osadchuk from the Holos party said the speech was “very good”, but noted that Rutte did not mention Ukraine’s accession to NATO or even hint at it.
Iryna Gerashchenko from the European Solidarity party called Rutte’s remarks on continued support and the possible presence of coalition forces after a peace agreement “great news”, but cautioned that Ukrainians remain realistic.
“We ask NATO countries to stand by us today, not after a peace agreement. Otherwise, they will be Putin’s next victims,” she wrote on Facebook.
Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, head of parliament’s EU integration committee, said she told Rutte during a personal meeting that there were no signs Russia was prepared for honest negotiations, and that Moscow’s goal was to buy time and continue destroying Ukraine.
“That is why support from Alliance countries is critically important – in weapons supplies, strengthening defence capabilities, changing the battlefield situation and increasing sanctions pressure,” she said.
First Vice Speaker Oleksandr Kornienko also reported on discussions with Rutte, noting partners’ readiness to provide much-needed weapons through PURL and reaffirming parliament’s commitment to reforms and closer alignment with NATO standards.
Earlier the same day, Rutte met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy upon arriving in Kyiv. Together, they paid tribute at the National Memorial on Independence Square, honouring fallen Ukrainian defenders.
At a joint press conference, Rutte described Russia’s overnight strike – involving more than 450 drones and around 80 missiles, as one of the three largest attacks on Ukraine since the start of the war. He said the strikes targeted civilian infrastructure rather than military objectives, damaging heating, water and electricity systems during extreme winter temperatures.
“These are attacks on innocent civilians. I take this very seriously,” he said, adding that the assault was unprovoked.
Zelenskyy told Rutte that Russia had ignored a request by U.S. President Donald Trump to pause attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities amid trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi.
Sweden and Denmark order air defence systems for Ukraine
In parallel with NATO’s political signals, Sweden and Denmark have announced a joint order of Tridon Mk2 air defence systems for Ukraine, worth 2.6 billion Swedish kronor (€246 million).
According to Swedish public broadcaster SVT, Stockholm will allocate nearly €200 million for the systems, produced by British defence group BAE Systems, while Denmark will contribute more than €40 million. The exact number of systems has not been disclosed, but deliveries are expected within a few months.
Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson said the Tridon Mk2 can intercept drones, cruise missiles and helicopters – capabilities Ukraine urgently needs as Russian long-range strikes intensify across the country.
Sources: Suspilne, NATO
Caption: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (R) and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (L) shake hands at a press conference during their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, 03 February 2026. EPA/STRINGER
Updated: February 4, 2026 - 06:44
