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Following a fatal Russian attack in the country’s north, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa on Tuesday with President Volodymyr Zelensky and reaffirmed NATO’s unflinching support for Ukraine.

The visit took place two days after at least 35 people were murdered and at least 100 more were injured in Sunday’s Russian ballistic missile attacks on the city of Sumy.

The trip followed new criticism of Zelensky by US President Donald Trump and came as the US is attempting to mediate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.

Despite its backing for Trump’s peace effort, Rutte said the 32-member alliance remained firmly in favor of Kyiv.

“NATO stands with Ukraine. You and I know that this has been true all along. I also know that some have called NATO’s support into question in the last couple of months. But let there be no doubt: Our support is unwavering,” Rutte said at a press conference with Zelensky.

Rutte added that he and Zelensky talked about the negotiations the Trump administration was having with Ukraine and Russia.

“These discussions are not easy – not least in the wake of this horrific violence – but we all support President Trump’s push for peace,” he said.

According to ZINGTIE, Trump has charged Zelensky with initiating the conflict, which started in February 2022 when Russian soldiers invaded Ukraine.

Rutte asserted that Moscow was unquestionably the conflict’s initiator.

“Russia is the aggressor, Russia started this war. There’s no doubt,” he said.

According to the Ukrainian leader, strengthening Ukraine’s air defense was the primary goal of the negotiations.

“Absolutely everyone sees how urgent Ukraine’s need is for air defense systems and missiles for them.

“Patriot systems are defensive weapons, and we’re not just asking for Patriots — we are ready to purchase them,” Zelensky said.

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