Rutte and Zelenskyy discuss Ukraine's energy situation

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has held a phone call with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about the energy situation in Ukraine.

Rutte said the call focused on Ukraine's energy situation, where Russian attacks are causing "terrible human suffering", and pledged to help ensure Kyiv receives the assistance it needs.

"We're committed to ensuring that Ukraine continues to get the crucial support needed to defend today and ultimately secure a lasting peace," Rutte wrote on X.

Rutte added that they also discussed ongoing efforts to end the war.

Rutte urged Allies to urgently provide Ukraine with interceptor missiles following a large-scale Russian attack on Ukraine's energy sector.

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.

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.