NATO Secretary General hopes for significant new commitments from Ramstein

During the 34th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (Ramstein), NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has called on allies to continue supporting Ukraine and expressed hope for the announcement of new commitments today.

"Support for Ukraines struggle is more important than ever…. This is a real contribution. And I hope to hear significant new commitments from members of this new decision today," Rutte said in Berlin.

The NATO Secretary General noted that Ukraine has repeatedly proven that it not only receives your support but is also a participant in the security system and is ready to help partners facing similar threats elsewhere.

"Look, for example, at what Ukraine is currently doing in the Persian Gulf. So we must ensure that Ukraine receives the necessary support," he urged.

Rutte emphasized that "allies must invest more to reach the target of 60 billion dollars for Ukraines security and defense support this year."

"Any funds coming from the EU loan to support Ukraine must be additional to those that allies commit bilaterally," the Secretary General said.

As Rutte noted, "looking toward the NATO summit in Ankara, we must also make progress in ensuring a fairer and more predictable approach to supporting Ukraines defense efforts."

"And I turn to you again – and this is truly a problem – too few countries bear a heavy burden, and we must address this," he added.

The previous meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (Ramstein format) took place in February in Brussels.