NATO chief, US secretary of state discuss Ukraine amid rising global challenges

By Necva Tastan Sevinc

ISTANBUL (AA) – The chief of NATO and the US’ top diplomat on Wednesday met and reaffirmed the alliance’s dedication to supporting Ukraine in the face of Russia’s ongoing war, with growing concerns over the involvement of North Korean forces, and a new US administration waiting in the wings.

Highlighting NATO’s recent addition of two new members, Finland and Sweden, the alliance’s Secretary General Mark Rutte underscored the role of US leadership in Ukraine's resistance.

"Thanks to American leadership, Ukraine has prevailed and Russia has not won," Rutte told US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who was visiting NATO headquarters in Brussels, in likely one of his last trips in the post.

Rutte also warned of new threats, specifically North Korean involvement in Ukraine’s defense.

"Now we see North Koreans being active in Ukraine, and this is coming at a cost," he said, referring to the dangers posed by North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces.

"These North Korean soldiers present an extra threat to Ukraine, and will increase the potential for Putin to do harm," he added.

He also said Russia’s support for North Korea is "presenting a threat not only to the European side of NATO but also to the US mainland, to South Korea, to Japan."

Blinken echoed these concerns, underscoring the need for a united global response to the rising challenges.

"We see increasingly the indivisibility of security between and among these different theaters," Blinken noted, referring to the interconnected security situations in the Euro-Atlantic, Indo-Pacific, and Middle East regions.

- Winds of change in Washington

He also pointed to NATO's strengthened partnership with Indo-Pacific nations and the alliance’s work in securing defense resources.

"We had a very productive discussion today about our ongoing support for Ukraine in the face of an ongoing Russian aggression," Blinken said.

He added: "We will do that and as well, to continue to shore up everything we're doing for Ukraine."

Both leaders also called for continued efforts to bolster NATO's defense capabilities, particularly in light of rising global tensions.

Blinken is also expected to meet with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Brussels, before heading to Peru and Brazil.

Blinken’s visit comes less than two months before Donald Trump takes office again as US president, with a new secretary of state. Trump has long expressed skepticism about the NATO alliance and also suggested the US may cut off aid to Ukraine.