Rute called on the US to continue the delivery of defense aid to Ukraine

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called on the United States to continue providing defense assistance to Ukraine.

"I fully understand that the US must always ensure the protection of its own interests, but when it comes to Ukraine, in the short term Ukraine cannot do without all the support it can get, especially ammunition and air defense systems," Rutte said in an interview with Fox News.

He noted that practical US support is still needed to ensure Ukraine's defense capabilities.

"It is also in the interest of the United States that Ukraine does not lose this war and that a huge Russian army does not stand on the border of Europe. Of course, a safe Europe means a safe America. These security issues are completely interconnected," Rute emphasized.

He noted that he understands Washington's concerns about the gradual depletion of its own ammunition stocks."Some flexibility should be allowed," Rutte said, adding that European countries are"actually stepping up" their support for Kiev, allocating 35 billion euros to Ukraine this year, which, he said, is sharing the"burden" of aid with the United States.