NATO’s new Secretary General Mark Rutte has pledged that Russian President Vladimir Putin “will never, ever try to attack Ukraine again”, as the alliance works with the United States and Ukraine to establish long-term security guarantees.

Speaking alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a joint meeting in Kyiv, Rutte emphasized NATO’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and defense. He stressed that the goal of these guarantees is to deter future Russian aggression and ensure Ukraine’s security for the years ahead.

“Ukraine’s fight is not only about its own independence but also about the stability and safety of the whole European continent,” Rutte said.

Zelensky welcomed the initiative, calling it a vital step toward protecting Ukraine from repeated Russian offensives. He also highlighted Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to integrate further with NATO and the European Union.

While details of the security guarantees have not been fully disclosed, officials confirmed that discussions include military aid, long-term defense planning, and stronger NATO-U.S.-Ukraine cooperation.

The statement comes as the war in Ukraine nears its fourth year, with Russian forces continuing offensive operations in the east. NATO leaders insist that a durable framework must be in place to prevent Moscow from threatening Ukraine again.