NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Tuesday, April 15, visited the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa alongside President Volodymyr Zelensky, reaffirming the alliance’s steadfast support for Ukraine following a deadly Russian missile strike in the north of the country.
The visit came just two days after Russian ballistic missile attacks on the city of Sumy killed at least 35 people and injured over 100 others.
Rutte’s trip coincided with U.S. efforts to broker a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine and followed renewed criticism of President Zelensky by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Zelensky, Rutte emphasized NATO’s continued solidarity with Kyiv, despite growing calls for peace negotiations.
“NATO stands with Ukraine. You and I know this has been the case from the very beginning. I am aware that some have questioned NATO’s support in recent months, but let there be no doubt: our support is unwavering,” Rutte said.
He also confirmed that he and Zelensky discussed ongoing talks being led by the Trump administration with both Kyiv and Moscow.
“These discussions are complex—especially in the aftermath of such horrific violence—but we all support President Trump’s push for peace,” Rutte added.
US President Donald Trump has controversially blamed Zelensky for provoking the war, which began in February 2022 with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, Rutte dismissed those claims.
“Russia is the aggressor. Russia started this war. There’s no doubt about that,” he said firmly.
Zelenskyy and NATO Secretary General visit wounded soldiers in Odesa
Today, President Zelenskyy and NATO’s Mark Rutte visited wounded Ukrainian soldiers in Odesa, offering their thanks for the protection of Ukraine and wishing them a speedy recovery. Zelenskyy awarded the… pic.twitter.com/QfkwwJd7Bv
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) April 15, 2025
Ukrainian President, Zelensky stated that the focus of the talks was on strengthening Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.
“Everyone clearly sees how urgent Ukraine’s need is for air defense systems and the missiles to operate them,” he said.
“Patriot systems are defensive weapons. We’re not just requesting them — we’re ready to purchase them.”