NATO General Secretary Mark Rutte stated that Ukraine is closer to joining the alliance than ever before by saying, “Ukraine, closer to NATO than ever.” Rutte also emphasized that NATO members are “steadily progressing” towards fulfilling the commitment of providing Ukraine with 40 billion euros in military aid this year.

In his statement, NATO General Secretary Mark Rutte said that NATO members are “steadily progressing” towards fulfilling the commitment of providing Ukraine with 40 billion euros (43.53 billion dollars) in military aid this year. Rutte told reporters that alliance members have pledged approximately half of the promised fund so far. The NATO leader expressed satisfaction in reporting that they are “making steady progress towards delivering the committed 40 billion euros for the next year.”

“WILL JOIN NATO WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT” Rutte, who mentioned that military aid to Ukraine will continue, stated, “Today, NATO allies have pledged 20.9 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine in the first half of 2024 and we can announce that allies are also progressing towards fulfilling their commitments for the rest of the year.” Speaking about Ukraine’s NATO membership, Rutte said, “Ukraine is closer to NATO than ever before. It will join the alliance when the time is right.”

ALSO DISCUSSED THE VICTORY PLAN

Rutte mentioned that during the two-day meetings of NATO defense ministers starting in Brussels on Thursday, they will discuss the “Victory Plan” outlined by Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky.

Rutte remarked, “I cannot say I fully support the plan. Some issues are still difficult.” Prior to the meetings, Rutte told journalists, “It will certainly be on the table this week.”

He also added that the plan, which envisages increasing Western support including an invitation to join NATO, is “clearly” discussed by the allies.