Rutte: Russia launched Oreshnik to force NATO into abandoning Ukraine, but it won’t happen

Russia has launched a medium-range ballistic missile, the “Oreshnik,” at Lviv Oblast, likely as a signal to NATO member states and an attempt to pressure them into halting support for Ukraine. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte made this statement at a joint press conference with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. 

The launch of the "Oreshnik" missile on 9 January followed discussions among European leaders about the deployment of European missions in Ukraine following the signing of a peace agreement. Russia immediately called such actions a “foreign intervention" and launched the missile on the region, bordering NATO member, Poland. 

NATO’s unwavering support for Ukraine

On 12 January, Rutte emphasized that the Alliance sees Russia is continuing its aggressive war in Ukraine. He also mentioned Moscow's attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure. 

He noted that Russia is attempting to deter allies from supporting Ukraine, but stressed that this will not stop NATO.

The Secretary General added that the support of allies, including Croatia, is especially critical during the harsh winter and amid growing pressure on the country, calling the security of Ukraine "the security of the Alliance."

Croatia’s significant contribution to Ukraine’s defense

Rutte highlighted the commitment of NATO allies to continue unwavering support for Ukraine. Since 2022, Croatia has provided over €300 million in military assistance to Ukraine, including:

• helicopters and a transport aircraft,
• artillery systems and ammunition,
• protective gear and other equipment.