Rutte: Ukraine Cannot Do Without U.S. Military Aid

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the critical need for continued U.S. military support for Ukraine following reports of Washington halting shipments of Patriot systems and artillery, The Gaze reports.

In an interview with Fox News, Rutte acknowledged U.S. domestic concerns but stressed that “the U.S. has to make sure that their own interests are covered, but when it comes to Ukraine, in the short term Ukraine cannot do without all the support with ammunition and air defense systems.”

The NATO chief also referenced last week’s conversation between the U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. 

“Last week, President (Trump) and Zelenskyy had a very good discussion, particularly focusing on air defense systems, so yes, I understand that the U.S. should take care of the stockpiles, but at the same time we have to allow for some flexibility here,” Rutte said.

While acknowledging that European allies are ramping up assistance, Rutte insisted that Washington’s role remains indispensable. 

“Europeans in the meantime are really stepping up; they have now committed 35 billion this year, but we cannot do without the practical U.S. support. This is also in the U.S. interest for Ukraine not to lose this war.”

He concluded by linking transatlantic security interests: “Secure Europe also means secure U.S.”

As The Gaze previously reported, the United States has halted shipments of certain air defense missiles and precision-guided munitions to Ukraine due to growing concerns about the depletion of its own weapons stockpiles.