10/08 – International News Update

NATO’s new Secretary-General, Mark Rutte, increased pressure on Western nations that remain reluctant to grant Ukraine permission to use advanced weapons for striking military targets deep within Russia.

During a surprise visit to Kyiv, just 48 hours after assuming his role as NATO’s leader, Rutte stood alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a press conference, asserting that “Ukraine clearly has the right to defend itself, and international law is on Ukraine’s side.” [Politico]

Rutte emphasized that Ukraine’s right to self-defense “does not stop at its borders.” He argued that, since Russia continues its illegal war, targeting Russian aircraft and missiles before they are deployed against Ukrainian civilian infrastructure could help save lives. Ukraine has long contended that Western nations must allow such operations, though countries like the U.S., Germany, and others in Europe have been concerned that this could provoke escalation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, Moscow recently updated its nuclear doctrine to heighten the threat.

Rutte’s backing for Kyiv on this issue comes ahead of a key summit on October 12, led by U.S. President Joe Biden and involving other leaders supporting Ukraine in what is known as the Ramstein format. Washington has been under mounting pressure to lift these restrictions as Ukraine faces the prospect of a challenging winter with its energy infrastructure likely under Russian attack.

Rutte remarked, “The only nation that has crossed a red line is Russia, by initiating this war.”

Zelenskyy added that some NATO countries are “delaying the process” of providing necessary support, though he did not specify which nations. He also urged Western allies to assist in neutralizing Russian drones.

“The best way to keep Ukraine in focus is by supplying weapons, granting the needed permissions, and assisting in shooting down — including the same Iranian missiles and drones — just as they’re being intercepted in Israel,” Zelenskyy said. [Politico]