NATO Secretary-General Reaffirms Support in Odesa, Pledges $22 Billion Security Aid to Ukraine

By Staff Writer . International Affairs . April 15, 2025

Odesa, Ukraine — In a strong show of solidarity, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte visited the Ukrainian port city of Odesa on Tuesday, reaffirming the alliance’s unwavering support for Ukraine amid escalating Russian aggression. During a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Rutte announced that NATO allies have committed €20 billion (approximately $22 billion) in security assistance for Ukraine in the first quarter of 2025.

Symbolic Visit Amid Renewed Russian Attacks

Rutte’s visit came shortly after Russia launched ballistic missile attacks on Ukraine’s northeastern city of Sumy, killing 35 civilians, including two children, and injuring 119 others. Just weeks earlier, on April 4, Zelensky’s hometown Kryvyi Rih was also targeted, resulting in the deaths of 20 people.

Standing alongside Zelensky, Rutte stated, “I am here because I believe the people of Ukraine have the right to real peace and security in their own country.” The two leaders also visited wounded Ukrainian soldiers at a hospital in Odesa, offering a solemn reminder of the ongoing human cost of the conflict.

Support for Peace Talks, Despite Hostilities

Describing the latest attacks as acts of “brutal violence,” Rutte acknowledged the complexities surrounding diplomatic negotiations. He expressed NATO’s support for ongoing peace talks initiated under former U.S. President Donald Trump, which have taken place in Saudi Arabia between delegations from Kyiv and Moscow. However, progress has been stalled as Russia continues to impose conditions on any ceasefire agreement.

In response to the deadlock, European nations and Ukraine are advancing plans for a multinational security framework dubbed the “Coalition of the Willing”. This initiative aims to deter any future Russian aggression following a potential ceasefire.

Black Sea Security and Turkey’s Emerging Role

Zelensky also emphasized the strategic importance of securing the Black Sea, noting that Turkey could play a key role. Currently, military representatives from Ukraine, France, the UK, and Turkey are meeting to discuss collaborative maritime defense strategies.

NATO Secretary-General Rutte concluded, “These discussions are a clear sign that we are serious about preparing for future security realities.”