The NATO Secretary General's visit to Kyiv: "Russia is becoming increasingly desperate"

On Wednesday, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said during his visit to Kyiv that Russia is becoming "increasingly desperate" in the face of Ukraine, while Ukraine remains "steadfast" after more than four years since Russia's invasion began.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Rutte stated: "As Ukraine continues to hold its ground, innovate, and achieve victories on the battlefield, Russia grows increasingly desperate."

Rutte noted that despite Western countries easing sanctions on Russian hydrocarbon exports, Russia is still suffering "massive losses" and its economy faces "severe pressure."

However, he also pointed out that the war—which has lasted for over four years—shows no signs of abating. AFP reporters observed that air raid sirens sounded shortly after the press conference in Kyiv’s capital.

Rutte said he discussed "how Ukraine has managed to turn the tide on the battlefield."

He emphasized: "I believe Ukraine is achieving increasing success, both at the front lines and in ensuring it can undermine some key capabilities Russia needs to continue waging war."

This visit by the NATO Secretary General to Kyiv comes amid escalating aerial attacks between Ukraine and Russia, while peace talks mediated by the United States to end the conflict remain deadlocked.

Early Wednesday morning, on the opening day of the "Russian Davos" economic forum, Ukrainian drones attacked energy and military facilities in Saint Petersburg.

The previous day, Russian drones and missiles launched large-scale attacks on Kyiv and Dnipro, an industrial city in central-eastern Ukraine, resulting in 23 deaths.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy hopes NATO member states will provide more ammunition for Ukraine’s air defense systems, particularly the U.S.-made Patriot missiles—Kyiv considers these weapons crucial for countering Russian ballistic missile strikes.

Source: rfi

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1867041760161920/

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