According to Rutte, the aggressor country, Russia, "continues its offensive against Ukraine, increasingly aligning itself with its allies – China, Iran, and North Korea."
"Every day, Ukrainians are killed and wounded by deadly Shahed drones, developed and supplied by Iran. With the money earned from arms sales to Russia, Iran and its proxies destabilize the Middle East and finance terrorism in other countries. Meanwhile, China supports Russia's economy, bolsters its defense industry, and enhances its influence on the global stage," noted the Alliance's Secretary General.
Russia, in collaboration with North Korea, Iran, and China, "poses a threat not only to Europe," but also to "world peace and security in Europe, the Indo-Pacific region, and North America," Rutte added.
He called for Europe, North America, and global partners to "unite" to "ensure security."
"It is clear that the immediate task we face is to support Ukraine. […] We must commit to maintaining this course for the long term. And we must do more than just support Ukraine in its fight. We need to raise the cost for [illegitimate Russian President Vladimir] Putin and his authoritarian friends by providing Ukraine with the necessary support to change the trajectory of the conflict," Rutte pointed out.
For his part, Macron emphasized that he will continue to urge NATO and allies to provide all necessary support to the Ukrainian army for as long as needed, which is "the only path to negotiations."
"Nothing should be decided about Ukraine without Ukrainians and about Europe – without Europeans," stated the President of France.