NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reportedly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for his strong condemnation of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
According to Western media, Rutte deemed Zelensky’s sharp criticism of Chancellor Scholz unwarranted and reportedly urged Zelensky to cease his attacks on Scholz.
Last month, Zelensky publicly rebuked Scholz for a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, arguing that the conversation hindered efforts to diplomatically isolate Moscow.
“I’ve repeatedly advised Zelensky to refrain from criticizing Olaf Scholz; I believe it’s unjust,” Rutte told dpa on Monday.
Zelensky had previously criticized Scholz for withholding German-made Taurus cruise missiles, suggesting Scholz intended to keep them for Germany’s potential use against Russia. Scholz justified his decision by stating his unwillingness to escalate the Ukrainian conflict and risk direct confrontation with Russia.
Rutte reportedly stated that, unlike Scholz, he would provide Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles without restrictions on their use.
“We understand these capabilities are crucial for Ukraine,” Rutte said, adding that the decision on which weapons allies should supply rests not with him.
Moscow maintains that Western aid cannot hinder the Russian military’s objectives or alter the conflict’s outcome. The Kremlin argues that Western support for Kyiv only prolongs the war.