According to a draft joint communique seen by Reuters on Wednesday, NATO allies will pledge to support Ukraine on an "irreversible path" to integration and call on China to cease all support for Russia's war effort against Kyiv. Watch to know more.

NATO calls out China's support for Russia, says 'China is an enabler of Russia's war in Ukraine'

It's the 75th anniversary of the world's biggest military alliance heads of state of NATO countries are in Washington DC to mark the 3 day event. The Summit seeks to reassure Ukraine of NATO support while offering some hope to its war wary citizens. Watch in for more details!

NATO@75: Biden to meet Zelensky on NATO sidelines, says 'Ukraine can & will stop Putin'

The 75th anniversary summit of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation or NATO, is underway in Washington. From Biden's reelection bid to bolstering support for Ukraine there are several concerns that will dominate the agenda and discussions. The backdrop Russian forces press their advantage along Ukraine's Eastern front as the war grinds into its third year but in focus of the Summit is the host himself. Watch in for more details!

NATO summit 2024: Can the veteran President unite NATO against a rising Russia?

NATO summit 2024: Birthday bash amidst war and uncertainty

NATO 75th anniversary: What's on agenda? | NATO vows lasting support for Ukraine

NATO@75 grapples with global crisis: Russia-Ukraine on agenda

<p>NATO allies announced Wednesday they had started the long-promised transfer of F-16 jets to Ukraine as leaders meet for a summit in Washington clouded by political uncertainties in the United States.</p>

<p>With the pomp of the three-day gathering in the US capital, President Joe Biden is aiming to rally the West and also reassure US voters amid intense pre-election scrutiny on whether at 81 — six years older than the alliance — he remains fit for the job.</p>

<p>Kicking off events for the 32-nation alliance with a celebration Tuesday evening, Biden committed a new air defence system for Kyiv and urged unity against Russian President Vladimir Putin, who launched the Ukraine invasion in 2022.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-pledges-new-air-defence-support-for-ukraine-at-nato-summit-739428">Biden pledges new air defence support for Ukraine at NATO summit</a></strong></p>

<p>"Make no mistake. Ukraine can — and will — stop Putin," Biden said in a forceful speech.</p>

<p>The White House followed up Wednesday by saying that Denmark and the Netherlands had begun sending F-16 jets to Ukraine.</p>

<p>Biden last year approved the key request by Ukraine, which wants advanced Western aircraft as it struggles to gain parity in the skies with Russia. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the F-16 transfer "concentrates Vladimir Putin's mind on the fact that he will not outlast Ukraine, he will not outlast us and, if he persists, the damage that will continue to be done to Russia and its interests will only deepen."</p>

<p>"The quickest way to get to peace is through a strong Ukraine," Blinken said.</p>

<p>But Donald Trump, who is edging out Biden in recent polls, has mused about bringing a quick peace settlement by forcing Ukraine to surrender territory to Russia.</p>

<p>The Republican mogul has repeatedly questioned the utility of NATO — formed in 1949 as collective defence against Moscow — which he sees as an unfair burden on the United States.</p>

<h2><strong>'Terror must fail'</strong></h2>

<p>On the eve of the summit, Russia fired a barrage of missiles on Ukraine, killing dozens, including in Kyiv where a children's hospital was reduced to debris.</p>

<p>Biden invited to the summit Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who voiced gratitude for the F-16s which he said would better protect his country from such "brutal Russian attacks."</p>

<p>The new aircraft will "bring just and lasting peace closer, demonstrating that terror must fail everywhere and at any time," Zelensky wrote on social media.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;NATO Summit 2024: President Biden faces high-stakes summit with his Presidency in spotlight</strong></p>

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<p>The summit will look for ways to "Trump-proof" the alliance including by having NATO itself take over coordination of arms delivery from the United States.</p>

<p>Outgoing NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has also sought a pledge to keep supplying arms at the same rate -- some 40 billion euros ($43 billion) annually -- that NATO members have been since Russia invaded.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I expect that regardless of the outcome of the US elections, the US will remain a strong and staunch NATO ally," Stoltenberg said as leaders gathered for the summit.</p>

<p>Biden has also invited four key Pacific partners -- Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand -- as he seeks to increase NATO's role in managing a rising China.</p>

<h2><strong>'Irreversible' Ukraine path to NATO</strong></h2>

<p>Ukraine wants firm assurances that it will one day join NATO, which considers an attack on any member an attack on all.</p>

<p>A NATO diplomat said negotiations had settled on wording of a statement that will voice support for Ukraine's "irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership."</p>

<p>Kyiv's membership enjoys wide backing from Baltic and Eastern European nations still haunted by decades under the Soviet yoke.</p>

<p>But Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have led opposition, concerned that the alliance would effectively be entering war with nuclear-armed Russia as it occupies swathes of Ukraine.</p>

<p>Zelensky, who has achieved hero status in much of the West for his media-savvy defiance of Russia, voiced open annoyance at the last NATO summit in Lithuania at the failure to provide a clearer path to membership.</p>

<p>Other leaders attending the summit include Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, one of Putin's closest partners in the West, who ahead of Washington went to Ukraine, Russia and China on a self-described peace mission criticized by Brussels and Washington.</p>

<p>Biden, Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will later welcome their counterparts for gala dinners around the Washington area, which is in the throes of a searing heat wave.</p>

<p>One new NATO leader is British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is visiting days after taking office in a landslide victory by his Labour Party.</p>

<p>He will meet both Biden and Zelensky and is expected to confirm Britain's strong support for Ukraine.</p>

<p><em>This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


NATO allies announced Wednesday they had started the long-promised transfer of F-16 jets to Ukraine as leaders meet for a summit in Washington clouded by political uncertainties in the United States.

NATO allies announced Wednesday they had started the long-promised transfer of F-16 jets to Ukraine as leaders meet for a summit in Washington clouded by political uncertainties in the United States. With the pomp of the three-day gathering in the US capital, President Joe Biden is aiming to rally the West and also reassure US voters amid intense pre-election scrutiny on whether at 81 — six years older than the alliance — he remains fit for the job. Kicking off events for the 32-nation alliance with a celebration Tuesday evening, Biden committed a new air defence system for Kyiv and urged unity against Russian President Vladimir Putin, who launched the Ukraine invasion in 2022. Also read | Biden pledges new air defence support for Ukraine at NATO summit "Make no mistake. Ukraine can — and will — stop Putin," Biden said in a forceful speech. The White House followed up Wednesday by saying that Denmark and the Netherlands had begun sending F-16 jets to Ukraine. Biden last year approved the key request by Ukraine, which wants advanced Western aircraft as it struggles to gain parity in the skies with Russia. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the F-16 transfer "concentrates Vladimir Putin's mind on the fact that he will not outlast Ukraine, he will not outlast us and, if he persists, the damage that will continue to be done to Russia and its interests will only deepen." "The quickest way to get to peace is through a strong Ukraine," Blinken said. But Donald Trump, who is edging out Biden in recent polls, has mused about bringing a quick peace settlement by forcing Ukraine to surrender territory to Russia. The Republican mogul has repeatedly questioned the utility of NATO — formed in 1949 as collective defence against Moscow — which he sees as an unfair burden on the United States. 'Terror must fail' On the eve of the summit, Russia fired a barrage of missiles on Ukraine, killing dozens, including in Kyiv where a children's hospital was reduced to debris. Biden invited to the summit Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who voiced gratitude for the F-16s which he said would better protect his country from such "brutal Russian attacks." The new aircraft will "bring just and lasting peace closer, demonstrating that terror must fail everywhere and at any time," Zelensky wrote on social media. Also watch | NATO Summit 2024: President Biden faces high-stakes summit with his Presidency in spotlight × The summit will look for ways to "Trump-proof" the alliance including by having NATO itself take over coordination of arms delivery from the United States. Outgoing NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has also sought a pledge to keep supplying arms at the same rate -- some 40 billion euros ($43 billion) annually -- that NATO members have been since Russia invaded. "I expect that regardless of the outcome of the US elections, the US will remain a strong and staunch NATO ally," Stoltenberg said as leaders gathered for the summit. Biden has also invited four key Pacific partners -- Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand -- as he seeks to increase NATO's role in managing a rising China. 'Irreversible' Ukraine path to NATO Ukraine wants firm assurances that it will one day join NATO, which considers an attack on any member an attack on all. A NATO diplomat said negotiations had settled on wording of a statement that will voice support for Ukraine's "irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership." Kyiv's membership enjoys wide backing from Baltic and Eastern European nations still haunted by decades under the Soviet yoke. But Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have led opposition, concerned that the alliance would effectively be entering war with nuclear-armed Russia as it occupies swathes of Ukraine. Zelensky, who has achieved hero status in much of the West for his media-savvy defiance of Russia, voiced open annoyance at the last NATO summit in Lithuania at the failure to provide a clearer path to membership. Other leaders attending the summit include Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, one of Putin's closest partners in the West, who ahead of Washington went to Ukraine, Russia and China on a self-described peace mission criticized by Brussels and Washington. Biden, Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will later welcome their counterparts for gala dinners around the Washington area, which is in the throes of a searing heat wave. One new NATO leader is British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is visiting days after taking office in a landslide victory by his Labour Party. He will meet both Biden and Zelensky and is expected to confirm Britain's strong support for Ukraine. This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

NATO summit: Ukraine gets F-16 jets, 'irreversible' path to bloc membership

The 75th anniversary summit of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation or NATO, is underway in washington. From Biden's reelection bid to bolstering support for Ukraine there are several concerns that will dominate the agenda and discussions.

NATO summit: NATO vows lasting support for Ukraine

The 75th anniversary summit of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation or NATO, is underway in washington. From Biden's reelection bid to bolstering support for Ukraine there are several concerns that will dominate the agenda and discussions. Prof. David Dunn, Professor of International Politics at the University of Birmingham, joins us to discuss.

NATO anniversary: NATO vows lasting support for Ukraine | Biden to meet Zelensky

NATO Summit 2024: President Biden faces high-stakes summit with his Presidency in spotlight

<p>US President Joe Biden geared up Tuesday to kick off a NATO summit in Washington aimed at showing resolve against Russia and support for Ukraine -- but the meeting was being overshadowed by his fight for political survival.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 81-year-old leader will try to use the three days of pomp marking NATO's 75th anniversary to reassure allies over US leadership, and his own ability to govern, as calls grow for him to quit the fight for a second term in office.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Biden has so far defied pressure from some within his party to step aside, after a disastrous TV debate against election rival Donald Trump last month fueled fears that he lacks mental acuity and physical fitness.</p>

<p>The US president was set to open the summit with a speech in the room where NATO's founding treaty was signed in 1949 and expected to emphasise how the alliance has been strengthened on his watch. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;NATO at 75 as alliance faces uncertain future</strong></p>

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<p>Other leaders appeared keen to rally around their host, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz insisting as he set off from Berlin on Tuesday that he was "not concerned" by the president's fitness.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But as doubts swirl over Biden, the 32-nation alliance is nervously eyeing a potential return to the White House by Trump after elections in November. &nbsp;</p>

<p>On the campaign trail, the volatile ex-reality TV star has threatened to blow apart the principle of mutual self-defence that has underpinned NATO since it was founded in the wake of World War II.</p>

<p>It's not just the United States, however, that faces political questions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>French President Emmanuel Macron is struggling to form a government after divisive elections, new British Prime Minister Keir Starmer makes his first international outing, and Hungary's premier Viktor Orban flies in after a much-criticised meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.</p>

<h2>Air defences for Ukraine</h2>

<p>While they wrestle with the minefield of US politics, NATO leaders will have to show they haven't been distracted from the reality of the battlefield in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived Tuesday expecting to secure additional Patriot advanced air defence systems that he has been begging his backers to send for months to stave off Russian attacks.</p>

<p>His war-torn country's vulnerability to Moscow's missiles was cruelly exposed by a strike Monday on a children's hospital in Kyiv. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are fighting for more air defense systems for Ukraine, and I'm confident we will succeed," Zelensky said after touching down in Washington. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"We urge decisive actions from the US and Europe – actions that will strengthen our warriors."</p>

<p>The Kremlin said it was following the summit "with the greatest attention... the rhetoric at the talks and the decisions that will be taken and put on paper."</p>

<p>The promise of more weaponry is set to be the biggest win the Ukrainian leader will get as his troops struggle to hold ground two and a half years into Russia's invasion.</p>

<h2>China challenge</h2>

<p>Worried about dragging NATO closer to war with Russia, the United States and Germany have shut down any talk of giving Ukraine a clear invitation to join their alliance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Instead, diplomats say Kyiv's path to eventual membership may be described as "irreversible" in the summit declaration and say the country is on a "bridge" to joining.</p>

<p>NATO members will vow to keep supporting Ukraine at the rate they have been so far since Moscow invaded -- roughly 40 billion euros annually -- for at least another year.</p>

<p>They will also agree the alliance will take more control of coordinating weapon deliveries to Ukraine from the US military in a move to help insulate supplies from any changes in Washington if Trump wins the election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>European countries in NATO have ramped up defence spending in response to Russia's war -- and the alliance is showcasing the rises to make the case to Washington that it isn't carrying all the financial burden.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said allies would sign a pledge to spend more on weaponry in a bid to get defence firms to ratchet up capacity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While NATO views Russia as its main threat, it is also paying greater attention to the challenge from China and accuses Beijing of playing a key role in keeping Moscow's war effort going by supplying tech to the Kremlin's military.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-dismisses-calls-to-quit-white-house-race-ahead-of-nato-summit-738384">Joe Biden dismisses calls to quit White House race ahead of NATO summit</a></strong></p>

<p>The leaders of Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea will come to Washington to bolster ties with the alliance.</p>

<p>China's foreign ministry hit out at the "smear and attacks" against Beijing from NATO and said the alliance was seeking an excuse to expand its influence in the Asia-Pacific region.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


US President Joe Biden geared up Tuesday to kick off a NATO summit in Washington aimed at showing resolve against Russia and support for Ukraine -- but the meeting was being overshadowed by his fight for political survival.

US President Joe Biden geared up Tuesday to kick off a NATO summit in Washington aimed at showing resolve against Russia and support for Ukraine -- but the meeting was being overshadowed by his fight for political survival. The 81-year-old leader will try to use the three days of pomp marking NATO's 75th anniversary to reassure allies over US leadership, and his own ability to govern, as calls grow for him to quit the fight for a second term in office. Biden has so far defied pressure from some within his party to step aside, after a disastrous TV debate against election rival Donald Trump last month fueled fears that he lacks mental acuity and physical fitness. The US president was set to open the summit with a speech in the room where NATO's founding treaty was signed in 1949 and expected to emphasise how the alliance has been strengthened on his watch. Also watch | NATO at 75 as alliance faces uncertain future × Other leaders appeared keen to rally around their host, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz insisting as he set off from Berlin on Tuesday that he was "not concerned" by the president's fitness. But as doubts swirl over Biden, the 32-nation alliance is nervously eyeing a potential return to the White House by Trump after elections in November. On the campaign trail, the volatile ex-reality TV star has threatened to blow apart the principle of mutual self-defence that has underpinned NATO since it was founded in the wake of World War II. It's not just the United States, however, that faces political questions. French President Emmanuel Macron is struggling to form a government after divisive elections, new British Prime Minister Keir Starmer makes his first international outing, and Hungary's premier Viktor Orban flies in after a much-criticised meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Air defences for Ukraine While they wrestle with the minefield of US politics, NATO leaders will have to show they haven't been distracted from the reality of the battlefield in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived Tuesday expecting to secure additional Patriot advanced air defence systems that he has been begging his backers to send for months to stave off Russian attacks. His war-torn country's vulnerability to Moscow's missiles was cruelly exposed by a strike Monday on a children's hospital in Kyiv. "We are fighting for more air defense systems for Ukraine, and I'm confident we will succeed," Zelensky said after touching down in Washington. "We urge decisive actions from the US and Europe – actions that will strengthen our warriors." The Kremlin said it was following the summit "with the greatest attention... the rhetoric at the talks and the decisions that will be taken and put on paper." The promise of more weaponry is set to be the biggest win the Ukrainian leader will get as his troops struggle to hold ground two and a half years into Russia's invasion. China challenge Worried about dragging NATO closer to war with Russia, the United States and Germany have shut down any talk of giving Ukraine a clear invitation to join their alliance. Instead, diplomats say Kyiv's path to eventual membership may be described as "irreversible" in the summit declaration and say the country is on a "bridge" to joining. NATO members will vow to keep supporting Ukraine at the rate they have been so far since Moscow invaded -- roughly 40 billion euros annually -- for at least another year. They will also agree the alliance will take more control of coordinating weapon deliveries to Ukraine from the US military in a move to help insulate supplies from any changes in Washington if Trump wins the election. European countries in NATO have ramped up defence spending in response to Russia's war -- and the alliance is showcasing the rises to make the case to Washington that it isn't carrying all the financial burden. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said allies would sign a pledge to spend more on weaponry in a bid to get defence firms to ratchet up capacity. While NATO views Russia as its main threat, it is also paying greater attention to the challenge from China and accuses Beijing of playing a key role in keeping Moscow's war effort going by supplying tech to the Kremlin's military. Also read | Joe Biden dismisses calls to quit White House race ahead of NATO summit The leaders of Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea will come to Washington to bolster ties with the alliance. China's foreign ministry hit out at the "smear and attacks" against Beijing from NATO and said the alliance was seeking an excuse to expand its influence in the Asia-Pacific region. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

NATO leaders gather in Washington as ageing Biden struggles to assert control

NATO summit to show strong support for Ukraine amidst conflict

UK Army Chief General Patrick Sanders has called upon the UK and NATO alliance to prepare for quote a World War II like conflict in the next five years he said that the UK needs to rearm by the end of the decade to ward off a possible invasion by Russia.

UK: Ex-Army Chief Gen Sanders warns of possible Russian invasion, says 'UK not ready to face Russia'

The United States of America is all set to host the NATO summit commemorating 75th anniversary of the military alliance which has never been larger and more focused but is also facing existential threats from outside and within.

NATO at 75 as alliance faces uncertain future

NATO allies have agreed to fund military aid for Ukraine with 40 billion euros ($43 billion) next year, according to media reports. This comes a week before the alliance’s leaders are set to meet in Washington. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: US not supportive of Ukraine's NATO membership?

NATO members pledge 40 billion Euros in military aid for Ukraine

Multi-fold challenge to Ukraine's NATO membership

Headlines of the hour: - $62 mn worth of arms to Ukraine missing: U.S. - Russian satellite breaks up in space - NATO Chief: U.S. to stay strong ally - Israeli forces bomb eastern Gaza - Kenya: Protests despite tax climbdown - Iran polls: Two Iranian hardline candidates drop out

Russian satellite breaks up in space | Kenya: Protests despite tax climbdown

Russia and Ukraine each handed back 90 prisoners of war on Tuesday in the latest of several periodic swaps in their 28-month-old conflict, with the United Arab Emirates overseeing the exchange as an intermediary.

Russia & Ukraine exchange 90 prisoners of war

<p>NATO's 32 nations on Wednesday (June 26) appointed outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the alliance's new supremo.</p>

<p>The development comes at a crucial time when Russia's war against Ukraine is intensifying and the elections in the United States are approaching.</p>

<p>"The North Atlantic Council decided to appoint Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the next Secretary General of NATO, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg," the alliance said in a statement, adding that he would take over on October 1.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jens Stoltenberg of Norway, who is stepping down from the post after almost a decade, said that Rutte was a "true transatlanticist" and a "consensus-builder".</p>

<p>"Mark is a true transatlanticist, a strong leader and a consensus-builder," Stoltenberg wrote in a social media post.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I warmly welcome <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NATO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NATO</a> Allies' choice of <a href="https://twitter.com/MinPres?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MinPres</a> Mark Rutte as my successor. Mark is a true transatlanticist, a strong leader and a consensus-builder. I wish him every success as we continue to strengthen NATO.<br />
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I know I am leaving NATO in good hands.<a href="https://t.co/D0ass7fKiL">https://t.co/D0ass7fKiL</a></p>
— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/jensstoltenberg/status/1805880452869210275?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I know I am leaving NATO in good hands," he said.</p>

<p>Rutte said it was a "tremendous honour" to take over from Stoltenberg.</p>

<p>"The alliance is and will remain the cornerstone of our collective security. Leading this organisation is a responsibility I do not take lightly," he posted on his official X account.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It is a tremendous honour to be appointed Secretary-General of NATO. The Alliance is and will remain the cornerstone of our collective security. Leading this organisation is a responsibility I do not take lightly. I’m grateful to all the Allies for placing their trust in me. I…</p>
— Mark Rutte (@MinPres) <a href="https://twitter.com/MinPres/status/1805887841576128984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Biden believes Rutte will make excellent NATO leader: White House</strong></h2>

<p>United States welcomed Rutte's appointment stating that President Joe Biden believed that the Dutch PM would make "excellent" efforts to support Ukraine.</p>

<p>"President Biden strongly believes that Mark Rutte will make an excellent secretary general," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Wednesday.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-3-killed-52-injured-after-russian-guided-bombs-hit-apartment-building-in-ukraines-kharkiv-734278">Also read: At least 3 killed, 52 injured after Russian guided bombs hit apartment building in Ukraine’s Kharkiv</a></p>

<p>Other leaders who backed the decision were British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who called Rutte's appointment "a good choice for freedom and security".</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine hails 'principled and strong' Rutte</strong></h2>

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed Rutte calling him a "principled and strong leader".</p>

<p>"I know Mark Rutte as a principled and strong leader, who has demonstrated his decisiveness and vision on many occasions over the past years," Zelensky said in a post on social media.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/MinPres?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MinPres</a> Mark Rutte on the Allies’ decision to appoint him as the next Secretary General of NATO.<br />
<br />
When Mr. Rutte takes over this post from <a href="https://twitter.com/jensstoltenberg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JensStoltenberg</a> in October, we anticipate that our joint work to ensure the protection of people and freedom throughout…</p>
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1805905612045275430?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Rutte as NATO chief won't change anything,' says Kremlin</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Russia said that Rutte's appointment as NATO chief would not "change anything" for Moscow.</p>

<p>"It is unlikely that this choice can change anything in the general line of NATO," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "At the moment, this is an alliance that is an enemy for us."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NATO's 32 nations on Wednesday (June 26) appointed outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the alliance's new supremo. The development comes at a crucial time when Russia's war against Ukraine is intensifying and the elections in the United States are approaching.

NATO's 32 nations on Wednesday (June 26) appointed outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the alliance's new supremo. The development comes at a crucial time when Russia's war against Ukraine is intensifying and the elections in the United States are approaching. "The North Atlantic Council decided to appoint Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the next Secretary General of NATO, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg," the alliance said in a statement, adding that he would take over on October 1. Jens Stoltenberg of Norway, who is stepping down from the post after almost a decade, said that Rutte was a "true transatlanticist" and a "consensus-builder". "Mark is a true transatlanticist, a strong leader and a consensus-builder," Stoltenberg wrote in a social media post. I warmly welcome #NATO Allies' choice of @MinPres Mark Rutte as my successor. Mark is a true transatlanticist, a strong leader and a consensus-builder. I wish him every success as we continue to strengthen NATO. I know I am leaving NATO in good hands.https://t.co/D0ass7fKiL — Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) June 26, 2024 × "I know I am leaving NATO in good hands," he said. Rutte said it was a "tremendous honour" to take over from Stoltenberg. "The alliance is and will remain the cornerstone of our collective security. Leading this organisation is a responsibility I do not take lightly," he posted on his official X account. It is a tremendous honour to be appointed Secretary-General of NATO. The Alliance is and will remain the cornerstone of our collective security. Leading this organisation is a responsibility I do not take lightly. I’m grateful to all the Allies for placing their trust in me. I… — Mark Rutte (@MinPres) June 26, 2024 × Biden believes Rutte will make excellent NATO leader: White House United States welcomed Rutte's appointment stating that President Joe Biden believed that the Dutch PM would make "excellent" efforts to support Ukraine. "President Biden strongly believes that Mark Rutte will make an excellent secretary general," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Wednesday. Also read: At least 3 killed, 52 injured after Russian guided bombs hit apartment building in Ukraine’s Kharkiv Other leaders who backed the decision were British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who called Rutte's appointment "a good choice for freedom and security". Ukraine hails 'principled and strong' Rutte Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed Rutte calling him a "principled and strong leader". "I know Mark Rutte as a principled and strong leader, who has demonstrated his decisiveness and vision on many occasions over the past years," Zelensky said in a post on social media. Congratulations to @MinPres Mark Rutte on the Allies’ decision to appoint him as the next Secretary General of NATO. When Mr. Rutte takes over this post from @JensStoltenberg in October, we anticipate that our joint work to ensure the protection of people and freedom throughout… — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 26, 2024 × 'Rutte as NATO chief won't change anything,' says Kremlin Meanwhile, Russia said that Rutte's appointment as NATO chief would not "change anything" for Moscow. "It is unlikely that this choice can change anything in the general line of NATO," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "At the moment, this is an alliance that is an enemy for us." (With inputs from agencies)

NATO appoints outgoing Dutch PM Mark Rutte as new chief

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Mark Rutte, the outgoing prime minister of the Netherlands, will succeed Jens Stoltenberg as the next secretary general of NATO, as agreed upon by all 32 nations of the alliance. Watch in for more details!

Mark Rutte set to succeed Stoltenberg as NATO's secretary general

Outgoing Dutch PM Mark Rutte is all set to take over as the next NATO Secretary General. Who is Mark Rutte? And how will NATO evolve with him at the helm. Watch this report.

Gravitas: Mark Rutte set to become NATO Secretary General

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