Zelensky revealed details of the meeting with new NATO Secretary General Rutte.

Zelensky emphasized the importance of the NATO Secretary General's first visit to Ukraine

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, welcomed the first visit of the new NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to Kyiv and noted its great significance. In his message on social media, the head of state emphasized that Ukraine can count on Mark's personal leadership in further relations with the Alliance.

"Mark Rutte's first visit as the head of NATO is taking place in Ukraine. This is really important. We understand that the protection of common values is important for the entire Euro-Atlantic region. It also indicates that we can expect further leadership from Mark in Ukraine," Zelensky noted.

Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine's main goal remains obtaining full NATO membership. During the meeting, key issues were discussed, such as Ukraine's Victory Plan, the situation on the front lines, the needs of Ukrainian military in air defense, and cooperation with neighboring countries.

Zelensky also stressed the necessity of implementing the agreements reached on air defense before winter, particularly those made at the NATO summit in Washington. Mark Rutte's visit took place on October 3 and was his first foreign visit as NATO Secretary General. During a press conference with the President of Ukraine, important aspects of cooperation were discussed, including long-range weapons and the security of Ukrainian military personnel.

Zelensky emphasized the need for long-range weaponry to effectively counter Russian aggression. "We cannot cope with Russia, which uses corresponding weapons, without long-range weaponry. Therefore, we are persistently working in this direction," he stated.

The President also commented on the situation in Vuhledar and considers the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the city the correct decision for preserving the lives of the soldiers. "We cannot stop the Russian Federation without appropriate weapons. Therefore, when our soldiers are under fire, we must protect their lives because they are much more valuable than any buildings," he explained.

At the first press conference as NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte declined to make predictions about the timing of Ukraine's invitation to join the Alliance. He also noted that the decision on the use of Western long-range weapons for strikes on Russia should be made by the allies providing these weapons.