NATO chief visits Kyiv, promises 'security guarantees' to Ukraine

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte visited Kyiv on Friday and promised US and NATO participation in certain "security guarantees" for Ukraine, which allegedly include strengthening the Ukrainian armed forces.

Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Rutte said these security assurances would serve only as a "second line of defense."

"Strong security guarantees are essential, and both the US and NATO will be involved in providing them," Rutte added.

The primary focus remains on enhancing the Ukrainian military after the ongoing conflict with Russia concludes, he said.

US President Donald Trump has recently been making vigorous efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. He conducted several rounds of talks with both sides, including a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, and announced preparations for a meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin.