During a recent visit to Ukraine, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte addressed the increasing casualties faced by Russian forces in the ongoing conflict. Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv, Rutte emphasized the changing dynamics of the war, suggesting that Russia’s involvement has become increasingly perilous.
Rutte stated, “As Ukraine achieves victories on the battlefield, Russia is becoming more desperate.” He cited NATO’s assessment of Russian losses, estimating them at over 30,000 per month. He noted that this figure surpasses the total casualties the Soviet Union suffered over a decade in Afghanistan during the 1980s, calling the numbers “staggering.”
In his remarks, Rutte made a direct appeal to young Russians and their families, asserting that Russian propaganda misleads them. He warned, “Young men like you are being sent to fight without proper military training. The equipment you receive will be substandard. There is a very high likelihood that you will be killed or wounded in Ukraine. If you are injured, you may be left to die in the mud. So when it comes to tens of thousands of Russian casualties, these are not abstract figures. It could very well be you.”
Rutte arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday alongside members of the North Atlantic Council, representing all 32 NATO member countries. His visit follows a statement made in May, where he noted receiving “many encouraging comments” from allies regarding support for Ukraine during a ministerial meeting.
Additionally, Rutte extended an invitation to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to participate in the upcoming NATO leaders’ summit scheduled for July in Ankara.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, during his visit to Ukraine, discussed the significant Russian military casualties and made a public appeal to young Russians about the dangers of the conflict. He highlighted the changing nature of the war and the impact on Russian troops.