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New NATO chief Rutte ready to work with either Trump or Harris after US election, Ukraine support among priorities

Mark Rutte takes office as NATO Secretary General, outlining priorities: enhancing capabilities, supporting Ukraine, and addressing global challenges.
new nato chief rutte ready work either trump harris after us election secretary general mar (l) his predecessor jens stoltenberg (r) brussels 1 october 2024 youtube/nato news ceremony mark transition
New NATO Secretary General Mar Rutte (L) and his predecessor Jens Stoltenberg (R). Brussels, 1 October 2024. Screenshot: Youtube/NATO News.
New NATO chief Rutte ready to work with either Trump or Harris after US election, Ukraine support among priorities

Mark Rutte officially assumed the role of NATO Secretary General on 1 October. Outgoing Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who is concluding his ten-year term, welcomed him to NATO Headquarters in Brussels.

NATO continues to affirm strong support for Ukraine, committing to its defense and eventual membership when conditions are met and allies agree. NATO allies emphasize Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression as vital for Euro-Atlantic security, pledging long-term assistance until Ukraine prevails.

Upon taking office at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Rutte outlined his three main priorities for the Alliance:

  • Ensure we have the capabilities to protect against any threat;
  • Support Ukraine in fighting back against Russian aggression; and
  • Addressing the growing global challenges to Euro-Atlantic security.

Rutte emphasized the Alliance’s need to “ensure we have the capabilities to protect against any threat.” He stressed the importance of increased defense spending, stating,

“I will work with Allies to ensure that we invest enough, in the right areas, and that we shoulder the burden for our collective defence equitably.”

Supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression remains a key focus for NATO under Rutte’s leadership:

“Supporting Ukraine is the right thing to do. And it is also an investment in our own security,” Rutte declared.

He referenced his personal experiences visiting Ukraine, including cities like Odesa, Kyiv, Bucha, Borodianka, and Kharkiv, where he witnessed “the brutality of Russia’s war of aggression, and the bravery of Ukraine’s people in their fight for freedom.”

Rutte highlighted NATO’s recent decisions at the Washington Summit, including the establishment of a NATO command for Ukraine, a long-term financial pledge, and an “irreversible path to membership” for the country. He committed to fully implementing these decisions and bringing Ukraine “ever closer to NATO.”

Rutte expressed concern over China’s role in supporting Russia’s military industry, stating,

“China cannot continue to fuel the largest conflict in Europe since the second world war without this impacting its interests and reputation.”

He also noted support for Russia from North Korea and Iran.

Responding to a question about the potential impact of the upcoming US election on NATO unity, particularly concerning Ukraine, Rutte said he was “not worried” as he knows “both candidates very well.”

He recalled working with Donald Trump for four years, acknowledging that Trump “pushed us to spend more” and made progress in raising defense spending. Rutte also praised Kamala Harris, calling her a “highly respected leader” with a strong record as vice president. He added that he is prepared to work with either candidate, depending on the election outcome.

The US presidential election is scheduled for November. Republican candidate Donald Trump has repeatedly called US aid to Ukraine a waste of money and has not explicitly endorsed a Ukrainian victory. Instead, he has promised to “end the war,” suggesting through his rhetoric that negotiations could involve Ukrainian concessions to Russia, though he has not stated this directly. Trump’s Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris, supports Ukraine and recently criticized what she termed Trump’s “surrender” policy on Ukraine.

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