The future of global security hinges on the outcome of the Russia-Ukraine war. It is essential to enhance military support for Ukraine to achieve sustainable peace, stated NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
"We all desire an end to this war. However, above all, we would like to see a lasting peace. I cannot predict how or when this war will conclude. But I do know that there will be no peace if Putin gets what he wants in Ukraine. Because then he will push further. He threatened to start a war in the past, and he did. Georgia in 2008, Ukraine in 2014, and again in 2022 – what will be the next target?" he remarked during a speech at the European Parliament.
According to him, peace will neither be stable nor enduring if Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, Chinese leader Xi Jinping, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and the Iranian regime feel emboldened. He emphasized that a peace agreement in Ukraine that serves their interests would lead to global instability.
Rutte also noted that peace can only be lasting when Ukraine comes to the negotiating table from a position of strength:
"For this, it needs our continued support – more weapons and faster – so that it can better defend itself and negotiate a favorable agreement for Ukraine, as well as for Europe and for the world."
At the same time, discussing the security situation within Europe, Rutte pointed out that it is not in a state of war, but neither is it at peace. The Russian Federation is intensifying its destabilization campaign against Western countries:
"What we used to call hybrid warfare, I would describe as a destabilization campaign. And Russia is not alone – it has China, North Korea, and Iran alongside it," he noted.
The Secretary General added that a third of NATO member countries have already reached defense spending of 2% of GDP, but this is insufficient to ensure future security. He called for increased defense spending and accelerated production of critically important weapons, particularly ships, planes, tanks, drones, ammunition, and satellites.
"On average, European countries easily spend up to a quarter of their national income on pensions, healthcare, and social assistance. We need only a small fraction of these funds to significantly strengthen our defense," Rutte stated.
Support for Ukraine: Other News
Germany has delivered the first of 54 RCH 155 self-propelled howitzers for Ukraine. This was announced by the country's Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. It is currently unclear whether the installation will be sent directly to Ukraine or if it will arrive at a training camp in Germany for training Ukrainian crews.
Earlier, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov revealed that the UK and its allies are providing Ukraine with 30,000 drones worth $55 million. Additionally, according to him, Norway is allocating 700 million kroner for drone purchases, while Iceland will fund the production of Ukrainian weapons with 2 million euros.