Zelenskiy and Rutte Send Strong Messages to Russia

Response to Airstrikes on Energy Infrastructure from Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia violated a one-week energy truce with its airstrikes on the country's energy infrastructure, saying, "The Russians once again disregarded the efforts of the U.S. side in this war."

Joint Press Conference with NATO Secretary General Rutte

Zelensky evaluated the current situation of the Russia-Ukraine war during a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Kiev. Zelensky pointed out that the Russian army carried out intense airstrikes against Ukraine late at night, emphasizing that these attacks targeted the country's energy infrastructure.

Disregarding America’s Efforts

Zelensky expressed that the one-week energy truce suggested by U.S. President Donald Trump started on Friday night, stating, "Today the Russians did not keep their word." He noted that they would inform the U.S. about Russia's airstrikes and mentioned that they would support steps to reduce tensions if similar proposals were made.

Solid Support Message from NATO

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, in his speech at the Ukrainian Parliament, reiterated NATO's support for Ukraine. Rutte highlighted that Putin believes Ukraine is weak, stating, "Ukraine is strong, and our support is unwavering."

Rutte stated that billions of dollars worth of critical military equipment financed by NATO has been provided through Ukraine's Prioritized Needs List (PURL). He emphasized that since the launch of PURL last summer, about 75% of the missiles used for Ukraine's Patriot batteries and 90% of the missiles used in other air defense systems have been supplied through this mechanism.

Rutte mentioned that the U.S., Europe, and Canada have made encouraging progress in providing security guarantees for Ukraine. "There will be soldiers on the ground, jets in the air, and ships in the Black Sea," he said. ```