In future, Ukraine to become 33rd or 34th Ally - Rutte

That’s according to an Ukrinform correspondent in Brussels, who reported from Rutte’s briefing with journalists ahead of the NATO defense ministerial.

Rutte noted that there are currently 32 NATO Allies and that he does not rule out that Ukraine may become a 33rd or 34th member of NATO.

"At the moment, it seems that it will be Ukraine at number 33, but maybe someone else pops in front of it. But Ukraine will be a member of NATO in the future," he said.

The Secretary General of NATO also emphasized that NATO is now working in all directions to make sure that, indeed, one day Ukraine will become a member of NATO.

According to Rutte, all the bilateral aid that comes to Ukraine, all the coordinated efforts between the Allies are crucial at the moment.

Rutte also noted that the Alliance will allocate EUR 40 billion in military aid to Ukraine next year, now being on track to delivering on this pledge, agreed during a Washington summit.

The NATO Secretary General also noted that NATO Allies had allocated EUR 20.9 billion in military aid to Ukraine in the first half of 2024 and are on track to fulfill their obligations by the end of the year.

The 32 Allies are united in their guarantee that they will jointly do everything necessary to ensure that Ukraine can win and that Vladimir Putin does not prevail, he said.

Rutte also assured that in the long term, if necessary, NATO will continue to support Ukraine.

This is NATO’s message to Putin, the secretary general stressed, adding that the Alliance want to see Ukraine come to the potential negotiations with Russia from the position of strength.

Until that moment comes, Rutte assured, Volodymyr Zelensky can count on continued support, and Putin should not count on NATO to give up this support.

As reported, a meeting of NATO defense ministers is being held on October 17-18 at the NATO Headquarters. A Ukrainian delegation is also attending the event.