NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has urged Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to stop publicly criticizing German Chancellor Scholz over the Taurus cruise missile dispute. While Rutte supports sending weapons to Ukraine, he stresses the need for unity within NATO as the alliance navigates internal disagreements and external pressures, including U.S. demands for increased defense spending.

Brussels, Belgium — NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to halt his public criticisms of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, amid a growing dispute over Germany’s refusal to supply Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. Rutte, who has been a key voice in NATO’s strategic coordination, voiced his concern in a recent interview with the German Press Agency (dpa), stating that Zelenskyy’s criticisms were “unfair” to Scholz.

Zelenskyy’s frustrations stem from Germany’s reluctance to send the powerful Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, despite Kyiv’s ongoing battle with Russian forces since the invasion in 2022. The Ukrainian president has repeatedly criticized Germany’s hesitation, particularly regarding its cautious stance on military escalation with Russia. However, Rutte argued that Zelenskyy’s comments are undermining the delicate balance within NATO.

Rutte Supports Arms Aid to Ukraine, But Advocates Diplomacy

In contrast to Scholz’s cautious approach, which is rooted in concerns about the “high risk of escalation” with Russia, Rutte expressed his full support for sending Ukraine the necessary weapons, including cruise missiles, without restrictions. He highlighted the importance of these advanced capabilities for Ukraine’s defense. “These capabilities are extremely important for Ukraine,” Rutte said, emphasizing that while NATO members are free to independently determine their support for Ukraine, the alliance should remain united in its approach.

However, Scholz’s decision to refrain from sending the missiles has been met with growing criticism from Zelenskyy. The Ukrainian president recently lambasted Scholz for engaging in a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, arguing that such discussions weakened the international effort to isolate Russia and jeopardized the chances for a fair peace settlement. Despite these tensions, Scholz’s position has largely been shaped by his government’s concerns about escalating the war, especially considering Germany’s historical responsibility and current domestic political instability.

Scholz Faces Domestic and International Pressure

Scholz, facing declining approval ratings and domestic political turbulence, has been under pressure both within Germany and across the NATO alliance. His coalition government recently collapsed, and he is also grappling with a loss of confidence in the Bundestag. Despite these challenges, Scholz’s stance on limiting military support to Ukraine has been consistent, prioritizing diplomatic efforts and avoiding actions that could provoke Russia further.

Rutte’s intervention, defending Scholz and urging Zelenskyy to temper his rhetoric, comes at a time when NATO’s unity is more important than ever. Germany remains a crucial ally in the alliance, and Rutte’s comments suggest a diplomatic effort to prevent any further strain on relations between NATO members. Meanwhile, Scholz’s position continues to divide opinion, both within Germany and internationally.

Trump’s Upcoming Influence on NATO’s Future

Rutte also touched on the likely challenges that will arise with the incoming U.S. administration under President-elect Donald Trump. “He will demand that we do more,” Rutte predicted, referring to Trump’s repeated calls for European NATO members to significantly increase their defense spending. Trump has consistently criticized European allies for not meeting NATO’s defense spending benchmark of 2% of GDP and has proposed raising that target to 5%.

For the first time, European NATO members are collectively expected to meet the 2% GDP defense spending goal in 2024. However, with not all countries having fully achieved this target, Rutte’s comments underscore the growing concerns over internal tensions within NATO as it navigates the demands of the United States and the strategic needs of its European members.

The Path Forward for NATO and Ukraine

As the war in Ukraine rages on, NATO finds itself in a delicate balancing act between supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts while managing the internal complexities of member states’ political and military concerns. While Rutte’s call for diplomatic cohesion within NATO is important, the future of the alliance may hinge on its ability to navigate these difficult disagreements.

Scholz’s leadership, despite domestic and international pressure, and Zelenskyy’s push for more aggressive support will continue to shape NATO’s strategy. Rutte’s remarks are a reminder that despite differing views, NATO must ultimately present a united front in its support of Ukraine, even as it manages the complexities of individual national interests and global diplomatic considerations.