Athens (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Mark Rutte has said that NATO “needs to go further” to defend Ukraine in its fight against a Russian invasion and blamed Moscow for dangerously escalating the dispute by bringing in thousands of North Korean troops.
NATO’s new secretary-general has stated that “In pursuing its illegal war in Ukraine, Russia makes use of North Korean weapons and troops, Iranian drones and Chinese dual-use goods for its defence industry.” “This is a dangerous development of the war and a challenge to global peace and security.”
Mr Rutte, an ex-Dutch prime minister met Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens and thanked him for Greek backing for Ukraine that includes weapons and ammunition, as well as activity for F-16 pilots and technicians. “Our support for Ukraine has kept them in the fight, but we need to go further to change the trajectory of the conflict,” Mr Rutte expressed.
Mr Rutte’s journey to Athens follows discussions with Mr Trump in Florida and Turkish leaders in Ankara. He also held discussions with Greek foreign affairs minister George Gerapetritis and defence minister Nikos Dendias. Several thousand protesters paraded through central Athens in resistance to the NATO chief’s visit.
How is Greece contributing to Ukraine’s defence efforts?
Greece pays more than 3% of its gross domestic product on security, above the 2% determined minimum for NATO members, and is pursuing a change in European Union budget rules to authorise greater military spending. It also wants to assist create a common European air defence system. Mr Mitsotakis stated: “We agree on one of the fundamental priorities for all allies: the need to strengthen our collective defence, a goal that requires a strong defence industry with significant investments.” He said that Athens supports “a more functional relationship between NATO and the European Union, to further strengthen the European pillar of the alliance”
Europe’s NATO members have been debating plans to increase defence investments for months due to the continuing war in Ukraine and uncertainty surrounding the incoming US administration following the election victory of President-elect Donald Trump.
