Rutte warns NATO must keep focus on Ukraine amid other distractions

Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte has warned that the alliance risks losing focus on Ukraine by being drawn into other geopolitical debates, stressing that Russia’s war against Kyiv remains the most urgent security challenge facing Nato.

Speaking amid renewed discussion about Greenland, Rutte said the issue should be resolved amicably but cautioned that it must not distract allies from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He underlined that Russia continues to intensify its attacks despite heavy losses, and that Ukraine’s ability to sustain itself remains severely strained, Caliber.Az reports via The Guardian. 

“The risk here is that you focus, of course, on Greenland, because we have to make sure that that issue gets solved in an amicable way. But the main issue is not Greenland. Now, the main issue is Ukraine," he said. 

Rutte expressed concern that political attention could drift away from Ukraine at a critical moment. He pointed to ongoing Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, noting that temperatures in Kyiv have dropped to around minus 20 degrees Celsius and that Ukraine is currently able to generate only about 60% of its electricity needs.

Rutte cautioned against complacency stemming from recent financial commitments or diplomatic efforts, including the European Commission’s mobilisation of €90 billion and signs of movement in peace initiatives. He stressed that such developments should not be interpreted as a reason to reduce support for Kyiv.

"They need our support now, tomorrow and the day after," he said. 

By Sabina Mammadli