NATO’s chief avoids talk of Ukraine’s membership

He says the priority is helping Kyiv defend itself

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Tuesday sidestepped questions about Ukraine’s possible membership of the military alliance, saying that the priority now must be to strengthen the country’s hand in any future peace talks with Russia by sending it more weapons.

“The front is not moving eastwards. It is slowly moving westwards,” Mr. Rutte said. “So we have to make sure Ukraine gets into a position of strength, and then it should be for the Ukrainian government to decide on the next steps, in terms of opening peace talks and how to conduct them.” 

Published - December 04, 2024 04:10 am IST