During 25th
anniversary commemorations at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, NATO Secretary
General Mark Rutte described Vladimir Putin as panicky over heavy losses and
stalled progress in Ukraine.
Drawing from past talks with Putin before the 2014 Crimea annexation, Rutte stressed NATO's defensive strength, commitment to rearming, and support for Ukraine without first strikes.
He reassured allies that the alliance has greater means than Ukraine alone to counter any direct Russian threat, framing the message with resolve amid evolving warfare insights.