Rutte says US-Ukraine intelligence sharing has not stopped

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Wednesday that intelligence sharing between the United States and Ukraine had not stopped, citing comments by US President Donald Trump.

Speaking at a joint news conference with Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal in Tallinn, Rutte said Trump had made clear that the sharing was continuing. Trump had said so while speaking briefly to the media outside the White House on Tuesday, Rutte added.

Rutte was asked whether he had spoken with Trump after reports that “SpaceX” had reduced “Starlink” speeds for Ukrainian users.

With winter approaching and Russia’s aggression continuing, NATO allies needed to do more, particularly to support air defence, Rutte said. He added that Russia’s actions would not weaken the alliance’s resolve.

“Putin is trying to weaken our resolve and stop our support for Ukraine, but Russia is failing,” Rutte said, describing Russia’s alleged hybrid activities as a sign of “weakness.” He said NATO had prepared for Russian hybrid and cyber threats and had response options, though not all would be made public.

Rutte said NATO saw no imminent threat to its territory from Russia and would defend its members. He stressed that the alliance remained strictly defensive and would not attack another country.