All news
New NATO Secretary General Promises Ukraine 'Real Change' on the Battlefield
Rutte said the Russian advance in recent weeks could help Ukraine reverse the dynamics of the fighting. The new command was created at Trump's initiative to reduce the US role and improve the stability of supplies. Moscow condemns aid
The activities of the new NATO command in the German city of Wiesbaden will help Ukraine achieve "significant changes" on the battlefield and ensure the security of allies, said NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte after visiting the headquarters.
"In a conversation with the soldiers, Prime Minister Rutte noted how important their work is in preparing the 700 troops who will be stationed in Wiesbaden and the logistics hub on the alliance's eastern flank," NATO's press service reported.
The alliance must ensure that Russia does not achieve its goals, while Ukraine does, Rutte stressed. He was sceptical about concerns that Wiesbaden would become a military target for NATO's Ukrainian headquarters. "I stopped trying to understand what Putin was thinking many years ago."
The new NATO Security Assistance and Training Command (NASTC) in Ukraine was created in accordance with a decision taken at the alliance's July summit. Before a US president is elected, all power in the United States will be transferred to this headquarters. Washington is now playing a key role in coordinating the supply of weapons and ammunition to Ukraine.
The New York Times explained that even if Republican Donald Trump is elected, the Ukraine aid group will continue to operate. Officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that all alliance countries support the creation of the NGATU. According to them, if previously assistance to Ukraine was mainly provided individually by country, now the new command will pay more consistency and attention to the needs of the Ukrainian army.
Former US Ambassador to NATO Ivo Daalder explained to the NYT that the headquarters' work will not be called a "mission" at Germany's request. Berlin, he said, does not want to create the impression that the alliance is at war with Russia.
The headquarters is located in Wiesbaden-Erbenheim, an area used by the US Army. Troops are housed in tents but will soon be moved to a converted helicopter hangar. NATO has not given a specific date for the command to begin operations.
The Russian side is demanding an end to all military aid to Ukraine and is not considering the possibility of supplying weapons that could change the course of military action. Putin has repeatedly stated that Moscow's victory is inevitable.