Rutte: We want to ensure Putin never again attempts to attack Ukraine

(Patria) - NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte told reporters after yesterday's summit in London that more countries have announced increased defense investments.

- I heard new announcements at the table, and I won't announce them to you because they should do it themselves, but it is very good news that more European countries will increase defense investments - Rutte said.

He noted that there is still no peace agreement for Ukraine.

- But we must prepare for that moment and ensure that European countries are willing to help with security guarantees - Rutte emphasizes.

He adds that allies want to "ensure that Putin never again attempts to attack Ukraine".

And that means, Rutte explained, that European soldiers will be present in Ukraine "to ensure that this peace is maintained and that it is sustainable, stable, lasting".

Reporters asked him about Trump's comments that he believes in NATO's Article Five, but that the Baltics are in a "difficult neighborhood".

- I have spoken with President Trump many times. He is a good friend. We have been working together for eight years. We stayed in touch when he was not in the presidential office.

Of course, we have now re-engaged very actively, and he is fully committed, as he has said many times, to NATO's Article Five.

So, please, let's stop gossiping about what the US might or might not do. They are in NATO, they are committed to NATO, they are committed to Article Five, that's what they consistently say - Rutte added.