NATO chief, surprise visit to Kyiv after the US summit. Mark Rutte talks to Zelenski about security guarantees

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte paid a surprise visit to Kiev where he met with President Volodimir Zelenski to discuss security guarantees meant to discourage future Russian aggressions.

NATO chief is on a surprise visit to Kiev after the US Summit / Photo source: X

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte arrived in Kiev for a surprise visit on August 22 and met with President Volodimir Zelenski, the head of the Ukrainian Presidential Bureau, Andrii Iermak, announced.

The moment of the arrival of the head of NATO in Kyiv. Video images caught in the city train station

The head of NATO arrived by train to Kiev where he was expected by Ukrainian officials, before heading to the Presidential Palace to talk to President Zelenski about security guarantees.

Crucial discussions held between NATO chief and Ukraine President on future security guarantees already promised by several states

Rutte's visit takes place a few days after a high -ranking meeting in Washington between Zelenski, US President Donald Trump, and European partners, who aimed to ensure security guarantees for Ukraine.

“Now we work together – Ukraine, Europeans, the United States – to ensure that these security guarantees are of a level so Vladimir Vladimirovici Putin, who is in Moscow, never try to attack Ukraine,” Rutte said in a press conference.

According to the head of NATO, the Agreement on security guarantees will have two components: the consolidation of the Ukrainian army and commitments from the US and Europe meant to discourage Russia in the event of future aggression.

Bloomberg reported on August 19 that the security guarantee package for Ukraine could be completed this week. European officials discussed, according to sources, about sending British and French troops to Ukraine, along with contingents from about 10 other countries.

Rutte said that discussions on the development of foreign troops in Ukraine as part of security guarantees are in progress but “It is too early to say what the result will be.”

“It is still too early to say who could send troops, who will contribute with information, who will be present at sea and who – in the air,” President Zelenski added.

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NATO chief was received by President Zelenski at Kyiv / Photo source: X

French President Emmanuel Macron said on August 18 that guarantees will not involve Ukraine's accession to NATO, but will rely on a strong Ukrainian army, supported by commitments from the will (Coalition of the Willing), which includes over 30 countries.

European officials told Kyiv Independent on August 19 that there could be a number of meetings between the member countries of the Coalition to establish the details.

Trump told Fox News on August 19 that Washington could provide air support as guarantees, but excluded the sending of American terrestrial troops.

Earlier this week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that security guarantees for Ukraine cannot be discussed without Russia's participation.

“Ukraine needs security guarantees so that we, our children and grandchildren be sure that Russia will not attack us. These are guarantees against an aggressor,” Zelenski said in a press conference, responding to Lavrov's statements.

“When Russia raises the problem of security guarantees, I honestly do not know who threatens them. They are the ones who attacked us.”