The two leaders also held a joint press conference later that day.Rutte emphasized NATO’s unwavering support for Ukraine, stating that the alliance continues to provide critical assistance. In the first three months of 2025, NATO partners have contributed more than 20 billion euros to aid Ukraine, he said.The NATO chief added that the Ukrainian Armed Forces remain the first line of defense of Ukraine, and it is important to ensure conditions that will make it impossible for Russian aggression to be repeated after the war is over."We are talking about a long period afterward because we have to understand that a truce is good, but the Armed Forces of Ukraine are the first line of defense, which should always stand on the border of Ukraine.