Today at 01:03
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, during his visit to Kyiv on Friday, took part in the 8th International Veterans’ Forum “Ukraine. Veterans. Security”, where he highlighted the importance of Ukrainian veterans’ experience in shaping a new approach to transatlantic security.
“Ukraine’s freedom is built on the broad shoulders of its veterans. Its bright future will also be built on them. Even after service ends, we know that your service to the country does not. Veterans play an important role in politics, in their communities, and you will play a key role in shaping the future of your country,” Rutte said.
“Courage will forever bear the name: Ukraine,” he stressed.
The NATO chief emphasized that the experience of Ukrainian veterans is “extraordinarily important as we transform our approach to transatlantic defense.” He praised the bravery of Ukrainian men and women who have been on the front lines resisting Russian aggression for the past 11 years.
Rutte also underlined the importance of proper support for veterans and NATO’s contribution in this area:
“The mark of any great nation is how it treats its veterans. And while many of you have left the ranks of the armed forces, rest assured – we will not leave you.”
He recalled that NATO’s cooperation with Ukraine’s Ministry of Veterans Affairs began in 2018, providing substantial assistance, including funding for psychological rehabilitation and mental health support.
The Secretary General also praised the Ukrainian team at the Invictus Games, calling them “a testament to victory over adversity.”
Earlier in Kyiv, Rutte announced that Ukraine’s security guarantees will consist of two levels – a peace agreement or ceasefire as the first, and long-term commitments from the United States and Europe as the second.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that these guarantees must be as strong as NATO’s Article 5, including financial support for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
