NATO secretary general explains how alliance will respond to Russian Oreshnik attack

Intensifying Russian attacks on civilians and Ukraine's infrastructure, including the use of the Oreshnik missile, have underlined the need to urgently supply Ukraine with air defence systems and interceptor missiles.

Source: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in remarks at the European Parliament during a Renew Group Forum on 13 January, as reported by European Pravda

Quote: "Yes, we also respond [to Russian attacks – EP] now, because this is already terrible. These Russian missiles are weapons of death and destruction. And we have seen this now when they were used on Lviv [Oblast] the other day. And I find this terrible."

Details: Rutte noted that last night there were "again hundreds of drones and tens of missiles hitting Ukraine".

Quote: "And particularly now hitting the civilian infrastructure, innocent civilians. This has nothing to do with the combat on the front line. This is just creating panic and death among the general Ukrainian population. And it is evidence of the atrocities the Russians are willing to go to."

More details: Rutte said that this is the reason he is "so inspired to try to do everything" to ensure Ukraine has "the interceptors necessary to take out these missiles wherever you can".

Quote: "Also here to the parliamentarians, work with your governments to dig deep in your stockpiles. And to find the necessary interceptors for Patriot, NASAMS and SAMP/T systems. Because they are urgently needed by the Ukrainians."

Background:

• Tammy Bruce, US Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations, has described Russia's use of the Oreshnik intercontinental ballistic missile against Ukraine as an unjustified escalation.
• A meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council initiated by the Ukrainian side took place on Monday 12 January, during which participants discussed Russia's large-scale attacks on energy infrastructure as well as the use of the Oreshnik medium-range intercontinental ballistic missile.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on 13 January that he expects the United States and Europe to speed up the delivery of aid packages to Ukraine after Russia's recent large-scale attacks.

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