Rutte warns young Russians against joining war: 'You'll be left to suffer in the mud and die'

He made the statement during a joint press conference with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Wednesday, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

Rutte pointed to Russia's substantial losses – more than 30,000 – saying that Russia loses more soldiers in one month than the Soviet Union lost in ten years of the war in Afghanistan.

"I have to say something here. But I need to say it to young Russians and their families. You're being sold a raw deal. Men like you who join the fight – you won't be trained. The equipment they'll provide you is substandard. There is a very high chance you'll die or be wounded while you're out there – and odds are that if you are wounded, you'll be left to suffer in the mud and die," he warned.

Rutte also referred to risks for the Russian economy but said Moscow shows no signs of stopping the war.

"The most recent attacks on Kyiv and across Ukraine make this clear. More civilian lives lost, so many wounded. So much damage done. We strongly condemn Russia's aggression, and continue to call for a negotiated peace – and here, Volodymyr, it's clear that you're really pressing for peace. At the same time, we are also clear-eyed about the need to continue our support for Ukraine," Rutte said.

Rutte arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday for an official visit, together with the Chair of the NATO Military Committee Giuseppe Cavo Dragone and permanent representatives and deputy representatives of all 32 NATO member states.