Russia Nato Secretary General urges increased support for Ukraine
In view of the increasing pressure from Russia and the approaching winter, the NATO Secretary General is calling for more intensive support for Ukraine from its international partners.
In view of the escalating situation on the eastern front and the approaching winter, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has called for increased support for Ukraine. He emphasized the need to raise the costs for Russian President Vladimir Putin by giving Ukraine the help it needs to influence the course of the conflict. Rutte made these comments ahead of a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.
International talks on support
In Brussels, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken plans to discuss further support for Ukraine with EU and NATO representatives. Ukraine is aiming to make full use of the aid pledges made by the USA to date before the change of power following Donald Trump's election victory. Russia has been waging a large-scale invasion against Ukraine for over two and a half years. Moscow has recently shown itself to be open to talks, while there is concern in Ukraine and among Western allies that Trump could cut off military aid.
Rutte emphasizes cohesion of Western partners
Rutte emphasized the importance of the cohesion of the Western partners and the need to stay the course in the long term. He pointed out that Russia is not only attacking Ukraine, but is also intensifying its relations with China, Iran and North Korea. "Europe, North America and our global partners must stand together to ensure the security and prosperity of our people," said Rutte. He emphasized that higher defence spending could reduce the risk of future conflicts. Rutte took office as NATO Secretary General on October 1.
North Korean soldiers in action
According to the USA, thousands of North Korean soldiers are deployed against Ukrainian troops in the Russian border region of Kursk. Most of the more than 10,000 deployed North Koreans are stationed in Kursk and have begun fighting alongside Russian forces, explained US State Department spokesman Vedant Patel. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selensky confirmed that North Korean soldiers were involved in fighting. Ukraine's troop movements are tying up around 50,000 Russian soldiers in the frontline area, who cannot be deployed elsewhere.
Ukraine seeks further support
Ukraine is seeking additional military assistance from its allies. Defense Minister Rustem Umjerow discussed further steps to strengthen the Ukrainian armed forces with his US counterpart Lloyd Austin. No details were given. Austin emphasized that the entry of North Korean soldiers represented a significant escalation of the Russian war of aggression. Outgoing US President Joe Biden had promised to increase support for Ukraine.
Diplomatic efforts and sanctions
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha met with the designated EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas to discuss the situation on the front and Ukraine's defense needs. Sybiha expressed confidence that the EU would continue to provide strong support. In view of the Russian advances in eastern Ukraine, Kiev is urgently calling for more weapons and more decisive assistance. The situation in Donbass is described as particularly difficult.
President Zelensky thanked Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for supporting his "victory plan", which includes NATO membership and the deployment of extensive weapons. Selensky also issued decrees on new sanctions against Russian companies and individuals. These measures are to be coordinated with the sanctions imposed by the allies. In a video message, Zelensky announced that Ukrainian soldiers would be able to change their place of deployment more easily in future in order to facilitate unbureaucratic solutions.
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