Rutte: Situation on battlefield difficult, but Russia losses up to 1,000 in killed, wounded per day
New Secretary General of NATO Mark Rutte has said that the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine is not easy, but at the same time, Russia's limited gains on the battlefield this year cost it around 1,000 killed or wounded a day.
"When you ask me what is the situation now on the battlefield, clearly, it's not easy, it's difficult. There's on the one hand Ukraine's army, as you know, holding on part of the Kursk region in Russia. But we also have seen Russian forces making some limited gains on the battlefield this year. But that progress, don't forget, it has been costly. Recent estimates I am getting and probably you also, of Russian losses run at about a thousand killed or wounded a day. One thousand killed or wounded a day. And that is on top of the total of 500,000 already killed or wounded," he said at a press conference in Brussels on Tuesday.
Rutte expressed confidence that "it is crucial because of this continuing Russian onslaught that allies are providing the billions of additional aid" to Ukraine.
"As you know, ally leaders will be at Ramstein in a few weeks to address Ukraine's most urgent battlefield needs and to coordinate the further support," he said.
The Secretary General is also convinced that both Europe and the United States will continue to support Ukraine.
"I'm absolutely optimistic about this. Because everyone I speak with in America, on the Republican side, on the Democrats side, but also here in Europe, understands that if Russia would win in Ukraine, if Putin would get what he wants, that would ultimately mean that our security situation is in a much more difficult state. […] This is the direct defense impact. And obviously this is also about our values why we are helping and defending Ukraine," he said.
"I worked with Donald Trump for four years. I’ve been in close talks with Kamala Harris. I respect them both very much. I am absolutely convinced that on this issue they both see what is necessary," Rutte said.