The Ukraine Defence Contact Group met on the sidelines of the NATO defence ministerial in Brussels, with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte hailing Ukraine’s continued resistance against Russia’s invasion.
Rutte welcomed Ukraine’s new defence minister, Mykhaylo Fedorov, and reaffirmed NATO’s long-term commitment to supporting Kyiv.
He described Russia’s recent battlefield gains as "very incremental" and said Moscow’s heavy losses, up to 30,000 troops in some months, show Ukraine’s ability to endure. "These are incredible numbers. And it means that Ukraine is really sustaining in the fight." he stressed.
Recalling his visit to Kyiv last week, Rutte condemned Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure, including a heating plant that left a quarter-million residents without warmth. "Ukrainian people cannot be broken," he said.
Fedorov thanked allies for their support, noting that Russia continues to target civilians and infrastructure, launching at least 24 ballistic missiles on Thursday.
He claimed Ukrainian forces eliminated 35,000 Russian troops in December and 30,000 in January.
