NATO chief urges faster air-defence aid to Ukraine as Russia intensifies attacks

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte told reporters in Ankara that Ukraine’s recent performance on the battlefield is changing the dynamics of the war and that continued Western support, particularly air-defence equipment, is essential. He said the alliance must speed up the flow of military aid after a new wave of Russian missile and drone attacks hit Ukrainian cities overnight.

"Ukraine is changing the dynamics on the battlefield, thanks to the bravery, the dedication, and ingenuity of their armed forces," Rutte said.

Rutte warned that heroism alone cannot stop Russia’s air campaign and urged all NATO members to increase their contributions, linking Ukraine’s security to that of the alliance. He described the recent Russian strikes as an “indiscriminate attack on innocent civilians” and reiterated that terror tactics will not lead to a Russian victory.

The NATO chief highlighted Ukraine’s growing ability to strike deep into Russia’s economy and defence-industrial capacity, and noted that Russia appears willing to accept high casualties among its troops. He also defended the U.S.-led “Priority Ukrainian Resupply Lend-Lease” (PURL) programme, saying deliveries of interceptors are already reaching the battlefield, while acknowledging the need to expand production.

When asked about co-production of Patriot missiles, Rutte said such arrangements are bilateral matters under discussion. He contrasted Kyiv’s willingness to negotiate with President Vladimir Putin, who he said has so far declined to engage, and warned that Russia’s war effort is being supported by a broader network of authoritarian states.

Rutte concluded by cautioning against underestimating Belarus’s role, noting its close alignment with Moscow, and called for continued cooperation among NATO allies to boost weapons production.