Doorstep statement
by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte outside Number 10 Downing Street
(As delivered)
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte: Good to see you. I had very good talks with, of course, the trilat together with President Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Starmer, and then after that, my bilat with the Prime Minister.
And can I say again that when we discuss Ukraine, we know it's tough, because Russians are more making small advances in the east, by the way, at a considerable loss of life on the Russian side. So they lose a lot of people, people dying, people getting seriously wounded. But still, the Russians are making those small advances.
We are not only into this because of the fact that we want to support Ukraine, yes, of course, that is the main reason, but also because supporting Ukraine in this fight against Russia is crucial for our collective safety here in this part of Europe, in Canada, in the United States, all over NATO territory, because if Putin would get his way in Ukraine, that will mean a serious security implication. Have a serious security implication for all of us in NATO, and that is why we are in this. Yes, for Ukraine, but also to make sure that we stay, that we stay safe.
And then in my bilat with Keir Starmer, I very much said that we are really appreciative of everything the UK is doing, first of all, being already before 2014 when we committed to the 2% already the UK being one of the few countries being above the 2% and consistently doing that.
The UK delivering unique capabilities, like the nuclear deterrent, but also what UK is doing for Ukraine in terms of aid, in terms of weapons, but also training, really, the UK is doing a lot, and this is crucial.
Let me also make use of this occasion to say that the annual nuclear Exercise Steadfast Noon will start on Monday, we will have more than 60 aircraft involved in training sessions. The whole exercise will particularly focus on the United Kingdom, the North Sea, but also Belgium and the Netherlands.
And in an uncertain world, it is vital that we test our defence, and that we strengthen our defence so that our adversaries know that NATO is ready and is able to respond to any threat.
Thank you.
Question: President Zelenskyy has persistently asked for long range weapons and an agreement that he can use those weapons against Russia, against Russian targets in Russia, have you changed your stance? Are you going to deliver those weapons? Are you going to give that permission?
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte: First of all, that is up to the Allies, the individual Allies, to decide how weapons they deliver into Ukraine can be used. Legally, that is possible because legally Ukraine is allowed to use its weapons if they can hit targets in Russia, if these targets present a threat to Ukraine. But whether, individual Allies do that. This in the end, also always up to individual Allies. Of course, we discussed this. I was last week in Kyiv. We discussed it today. But in the end, it is up to the individual Allies.
Question: Would you back its use on Russian target in Russia?
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte: Well, again, legally, yes, that is possible. And legally, there is a case to be made to do that. But now you are asking not only about that legality, but also you linking it to one specific weapon, and that's not up to me, that in the end is up to the individual Allies.
Question: Has a decision been made today? About these long-range missiles?
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte: I didn't say that. No, no, no, there's no change on that, because that in the end is up to the Allies who deliver certain weapon systems into Ukraine, whether they can be used for long range distance into Russia. But again, legally, that's possible, but in the end, it is up to the Allies.
Question: Do you sympathize with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who said he is effectively having to fight with one hand tied behind his back because countries like the UK will not give permission to use Storm Shadow missiles at targets inside Russia?
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte: Well, I think it is a bit more nuanced, because when you look at what the UK is doing, I think it is now 3 billion a year, you guys are providing Ukraine with military aid, with training. But you look at the US, the US has just agreed again, 8 billion military aid going into Ukraine. And we know that many other Allies, including Germany, France, and many smaller Allies, like Denmark, I'm not going to mention them all, but all of the Alliance is in this.
And let's not focus on one system, one weapon system at all. It will not be one weapon system which will make the change. So I understand what Zelenskyy is asking, but at the same time, he also agrees that there is a broader issue to be debated to make sure that they prevail.
Question: President Trump has signalled numerous times that Ukraine does not have his unwavering support. He could be re-entering the White House soon. What is your message to President Trump?
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte: I don't have a message for President Trump, because I know him well. I worked in my previous role as Prime Minister for four years with him. I know that he understands completely and agrees with me that this fight in Ukraine is not only about Ukraine, it's also about the safety and the future security of the United States. He knows this. We also know that in the US, in Congress and in the Senate, there is broad bipartisan support for this.
So, really, stop worrying about a Trump presidency. We do not know who will win. I will work with Kamala Harris if she is chosen. I will work with Donald Trump if he will be chosen, and in the end...
Question: Are you not worried that President Trump may withdraw support for Ukraine?
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte: I'm not worried about that, because I'm absolutely convinced that the US is in this, because they understand it is not only for Ukraine, but also for them, and that from Washington to San Francisco, the whole of the US would be less secure if Putin would be successful in Ukraine.
Thank you so much. Thank you so much.