NATO boss reveals warning to Zelensky – media

Mark Rutte has reportedly slammed the Ukrainian leader over his harsh criticism of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz

Vladimir Zelensky’s harsh criticism of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was unjustified, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has said, as quoted by Western media outlets. He has reportedly asked the Ukrainian leader to stop criticizing Scholz.

Last month, Zelensky blasted the German chancellor for having a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, complaining that the call undermined efforts to isolate Moscow diplomatically.

“I have often told Zelensky that he should stop criticizing Olaf Scholz, because I think it is unfair,” Rutte told dpa on Monday.

Zelensky had previously slammed Scholz for refusing to provide Kiev with German-made Taurus cruise missiles, suggesting that the chancellor would like to keep the weapons for Berlin’s own use in the event of a threat from Russia. Scholz explained the decision by saying he did not wish to escalate the Ukraine conflict and draw Germany into a direct confrontation with Russia.

Rutte reportedly added that he, unlike Scholz, would supply Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles, and would not put any limits on the use of the weapons.

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“In general, we know that such capabilities are very important for Ukraine,” Rutte said, emphasizing that it was not up to him to decide what weapons allies should deliver.

Moscow has consistently stated that Western aid cannot prevent Russian military forces from accomplishing the objectives of the military operation, nor alter the final outcome of the conflict. The Kremlin has argued that, by supporting Kiev, the Western allies are only prolonging the conflict.