Zelensky meets Rutte on Ukrainian, European security

KYIV - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met on Tuesday with visiting North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Mark Rutte to discuss Ukrainian and European security, the presidential press service reported.

At the meeting in Ukraine's southern city of Odesa, Zelensky and Rutte discussed various formats of cooperation between Ukraine and NATO member states, including in Ramstein format.

The talks also focused on Ukraine's relations with the US and Washington's efforts in negotiations with Russia.

The report said Zelensky accused Russia of "ignoring the US proposal for a full ceasefire" and continuing its strikes on Ukraine.

Emphasizing the need to strengthen Ukraine's air defense, Zelensky voiced hope for the implementation of air defense-related agreements with partners in Europe and the US

He also noted that the UK, France, and other NATO countries are actively laying the foundation for a security contingent in Ukraine.

For his part, Rutte reaffirmed that the alliance will continue to stand with Ukraine.

According to him, in the first three months of this year, NATO member states pledged over 20 billion euros (about $22.5 billion) in security assistance to Ukraine for 2025.