Kiev relies on billions of dollars in Western military aid to fight the Russian invasion, and NATO's secretary general is a strong voice supporting Ukraine on the world stage.
The former Dutch prime minister took the role on Oct. 1 at a pivotal time as Russia advances on the battlefield, China unleashes its growing power and just weeks before American citizens elect a new leader.
As a staunch supporter of Ukraine who has visited the country several times since the Russian invasion, Rutte has promised that NATO will continue to provide support under his leadership.
"Putin must understand that we are not going to surrender, that we want Ukraine to win in the end," he said upon taking the role.
He also said he wanted to "strengthen our support for Ukraine and bring it even closer to NATO."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed Rutte's appointment.
"Ukraine's course toward NATO membership is irreversible, and we remain committed to that goal," he said on Oct. 1.
Rutte's government in the Netherlands was one of Kiev's most important European supporters, a major driving force pushing for the delivery of advanced F-16 fighter jets to Kiev.
Rutte was also prime minister when Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine in 2014, killing 298 people, most of them Dutch. | BGNES
