NATO Chief Rutte confirms additional €20 billion in security aid for Ukraine

Rutte made this statement at a press conference following the NATO-Ukraine Council meeting, which was broadcast by Espreso.

"Ministers discussed support for Ukraine. An additional 20 billion euros will be provided in the area of security. I also welcome the additional support proposals that NATO allies pledged at yesterday's meeting of the Contact Group on Defense of Ukraine," he said.

Rutte also said that he met with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov during the NATO-Ukraine Council meeting, along with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas. Umerov emphasized the challenges on the battlefield, the constant Russian attacks on civilian targets, and Ukraine's desire for a peaceful settlement through negotiations.

"We all want this war to end with a just and lasting peace, and we fully support President Trump's efforts to stop the bloodshed. At our meeting, ministers reaffirmed their continued support for Ukraine," Rutte concluded.

• Earlier, media reported that NATO member countries plan to count the funds spent on purchasing new military aid for Ukraine as "defense-related expenditures" in accordance with the commitment to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP.