Zelensky, Rutte discuss NATO invitation, reinforcing Ukrainian brigades

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke by phone with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Thursday to discuss the importance of Ukraine receiving an invitation to join NATO and the need to reinforce combat brigades with more ammunition.

The head of state announced this on X, Ukrinform reports.

"I spoke with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and thanked him for hosting the NATO-Ukraine Council meeting in Brussels at the level of foreign ministers. I reiterated the importance of inviting Ukraine to NATO and ensuring the timely reinforcement of our combat brigades with ammunition, weapons, and equipment, as well as strengthening Ukraine's defense against Russian air terror this winter," Zelensky said.

He also emphasized the importance of an uninterrupted supply of 155mm shells, weapons and military equipment from the announced support packages to ensure the timely equipping of combat brigades.

Zelensky and Rutte agreed to cooperate more actively with partners to implement the decisions made at the Washington NATO Summit regarding air defense systems and further strengthening Ukraine's defense against Russian air terror this winter.

Zelensky said he was coordinating positions with the NATO Secretary General to achieve a just and stable peace.

"Supporting Ukraine is crucial not only for our country but for all partners in Europe, because the security of one is the foundation for the security of all," Zelensky said.

Brussels hosted a two-day meeting of NATO foreign ministers on December 3-4, where one of the key topics discussed was increasing support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia's aggression. Additionally, ministers focused on strategies to counter hybrid attacks by Russia and other totalitarian regimes targeting NATO countries.