Military aid to Ukraine this year could exceed the record $50 billion provided last year. This was stated in the closing speech said NATO Secretary General Marco Rutte at the Alliance summit in The Hague.
"We are moving faster than last year. Last year it was 50 billion, so I have optimistic hopes. Although I can't say for sure, the end result will definitely be positive," — Rutte noted.
According to him, the primary task remains to maintain the combat capability of Ukrainian forces. This, according to the Secretary General, is critically important both for further deterrence of Russia and for creating the prerequisites for concluding a fair peace agreement or ceasefire.
"We need to support Ukraine: provide military equipment, training, funding, and develop Ukrainian bases. And $35 billion is already a lot of money that will help Ukraine be as strong as possible," — he emphasized.
Rutte also emphasized that the West's main goal is not only to help Ukraine defend itself, but also to prevent Russian dictator Vladimir Putin from ever daring to commit such aggression again.
"Ukraine must receive everything it needs so as not to be left alone. Its defense capability is the first step towards ending the war," — the NATO Secretary General concluded.
