Rutte and Blinken meet in Brussels on Wednesday when Blinken also meets with NATO countries' ambassadors.
Much revolves, as usual, around Ukraine – and not least the fact that North Korean soldiers are now on site on the Russian side in the war. Rutte warns that Russia's opportunities in the war are now increasing, but that it also has other ripple effects, as Russia's president needs to "pay" for the help in the form of spreading technical knowledge to North Korea.
It poses a threat not only to Europe but also to the USA, emphasizes Rutte in a brief press appearance.
It requires and will get a decisive response, promises Blinken in turn.
Global effect
Neither of the gentlemen mentions the soon-to-be-returning US President Donald Trump by name, but still sends clear signals to the incoming administration.
Among other things, it is emphasized that North Korea's entry into Ukraine and the Russian military exchange with Iran show that it is not possible to "disconnect" the war in Ukraine from other conflicts and tensions in the world, around both China and the Middle East.
It becomes more and more complex. What happens in Ukraine has global effects. We must do more to ensure that Ukraine makes it, says Rutte.
Spend right!
Blinken promises in turn that outgoing President Joe Biden will "use every day" of his remaining time in the White House to strengthen NATO and Ukraine. But he also stresses the importance of European countries doing their part.
23 of the alliance's members now meet the two-percent target. That's good – but now we must also ensure that the money goes where it's needed, says Blinken.
