NATO's Rutte expects 'continuity' from Kiev under new defence minister
Jul 17, 2026
Brussels [Belgium], July 17: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte does not expect the appointment of a new Ukrainian defence minister to bring major changes to Kiev's strategy in its fight against Russia, he told DPA on Thursday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's decision to remove defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov after just six months in office has sparked rare protests in Kiev. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko is reportedly under consideration to succeed him.
But Rutte said he expects "continuity" as the Ukrainian military is "doing much better" on the frontline than at the start of the year. The invading army is advancing very slowly, and Ukraine has been able to counterattack in some areas, he added.
Source: Qatar Tribune
