On October 1st, a residential building in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, was damaged due to a Russian airstrike, according to a report by Reuters. In response, Mark Rutte, the newly appointed Secretary General of NATO, underscored the importance of conveying to Russian President Vladimir Putin that NATO’s commitment to support Ukraine will remain steadfast as it confronts aggression. Rutte highlighted his intention to prioritize backing Kyiv while also ensuring that NATO continues to boost defense spending and strengthen alliances with partners, including the European Union and countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
During a press conference, Rutte asserted, “Putin must realize that we will not yield, and we want Ukraine to win.” He expressed his commitment to “enhance support for Ukraine and bring it closer to NATO.”
He emphasized, “We must maintain this support going forward because Ukraine’s rightful place is within NATO.”
In light of concerns about the potential implications of former U.S. President Donald Trump winning the upcoming elections, Rutte downplayed any anxieties and reassured that under his leadership of the world’s most powerful military alliance, support for Ukraine would not falter.
As the U.S. election results on November 5 loom, this will be the first significant test for the 57-year-old Rutte, which could greatly impact his initial four-year term. Trump has previously indicated he might not defend underfunded NATO members and expressed intentions to quickly negotiate a settlement with Putin to end the Ukraine conflict.
Rutte stated, “I am not worried. I know both candidates in the U.S. elections well. Regardless of the outcome, I will be able to work with both.”
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has acknowledged that the situation on the war front against Russia is “very, very difficult.” He stressed that the Ukrainian military must exert every effort during the fall, stating, “It is crucial to utilize all available means and tools to exert pressure on Russia to achieve a just peace as soon as possible.” This marks Zelensky’s second appeal for rapid military action within a week.
Reports from the Kyiv Independent indicate that Russia continues to advance on the eastern front, especially around critical areas in Donetsk Oblast such as Pokrovsk, Vuhledar, and Toretsk. Ukrainian forces are reportedly facing overwhelming numbers and are under-equipped, resulting in gradual withdrawals.
Military bloggers from Ukraine have reported progress by Russian forces in Vuhledar, including shelling the town and raising their flag in the western district. Vadym Filashkin, the governor of Donetsk Oblast, confirmed that Russian troops have penetrated the center of Vuhledar, describing the situation as “extremely difficult.”
Unverified footage and reports circulating on social media further suggest that Russian forces are seen waving their flag atop the Vuhledar city council building.
