NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte reaffirmed the alliance’s steadfast commitment to Ukraine during a visit to Odesa, pledging over €20 billion ($22 billion) in security aid for 2025’s first quarter.

Meeting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Rutte underscored Ukraine’s right to “real peace, safety, and security,” days after a devastating Russian missile strike on Sumy killed 35, including two children, and injured 119. The attack, the second major civilian assault in a week, followed a similar strike in Kryvyi Rih that claimed 20 lives.

Rutte’s first Ukraine visit since U.S. President Donald Trump took charge of ceasefire talks highlighted NATO’s backing for Trump’s peace efforts, despite Russia’s rigid conditions stalling progress. “These discussions are tough, especially after such horrific violence, but we support the push for peace,” Rutte said at a joint press conference, after visiting wounded soldiers with Zelenskyy.

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Ukraine has endorsed a U.S.-proposed ceasefire, but Moscow demands sanctions relief.

Zelenskyy emphasized post-ceasefire security, noting talks with France, the U.K., and Turkey on a Black Sea military presence to deter future Russian aggression. A “coalition of the willing” is forming to ensure Ukraine’s long-term safety, with Turkey pivotal in Black Sea guarantees. Recent U.S.-Russia talks on de-escalating Black Sea tensions remain unresolved.

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy described U.S. negotiations on accessing Ukraine’s mineral resources as “positive,” with further talks planned.

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