NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed that the United States has no intention of reducing its role in the Alliance. Instead, work is actively progressing to integrate Ukraine more deeply into NATO structures. Rutte made these statements during an interview with NV, as reported by the Ukrainian National News agency (UNN) on 5 April 2025.
Rutte clarified that NATO has never promised Ukraine membership as a condition for a peace agreement or ceasefire. “Sometimes I hear people in the United States say NATO membership should not be part of a ceasefire or peace plan. That, I believe, misunderstands the Washington Summit’s message,” Rutte said. “These are two separate matters. One is peace, and the other is Ukraine’s long-term path towards NATO,” he added.
He highlighted that Ukraine is already participating in key NATO training and operational activities. In particular, Rutte pointed to the recent launch of the Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) Centre in Poland, a NATO-Ukraine initiative that began operations less than a month ago. This centre is focused on consolidating and transferring battlefield experience and tactical knowledge.
Key Collaborative NATO-Ukraine Structures
| Initiative | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| JTAC Centre | Poland | Military training and lessons consolidation |
| Command Centre | Wiesbaden, Germany | Coordinates NATO support to Ukraine |
“With the help of the United States, we have taken over the command post in Wiesbaden, which directs all NATO support to Ukraine. We are training Ukrainian troops and ensuring they are integrated with NATO systems,” Rutte noted.
He also reinforced that the alliance is helping to modernise Ukraine’s armed forces so they align with NATO standards. This move not only boosts Ukraine’s battlefield capabilities but also brings the country closer to eventual membership. According to Rutte, this cooperation is vital for long-term peace and regional stability.
On broader NATO-US relations, Rutte dismissed speculation that former President Donald Trump, who is again vying for power, might pull the United States out of NATO. “The idea that Trump wants to cut back US participation is incorrect,” he said. Rutte pointed to recent comments by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said, “If NATO did not exist, we would have to invent it.”
He acknowledged that the United States has been urging European and Canadian members to increase their defence budgets. However, he stated this issue is being addressed, with increased spending from across the alliance.
Defence Spending Trends
| NATO Member | Previous Defence Spending (% of GDP) | Current Defence Spending (% of GDP) |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | 1.3% | 2% |
| France | 1.9% | 2.1% |
| Canada | 1.3% | 1.8% |
Rutte concluded by stating that the Alliance remains united in its backing for Ukraine. He emphasised that Russia, not Ukraine, holds the key to a ceasefire. “The ball is in Russia’s court,” he said
