Former Dutch PM Rutte takes NATO reins, doubles down on Ukraine support and warns China -...

Mark Rutte, the former Dutch prime minister, officially took charge of NATO today, succeeding longtime leader Jens Stoltenberg as the alliance’s new secretary general, during a handover ceremony in Brussels. In his first address to members gathered at NATO headquarters, he said that his main priority will be “to keep NATO strong and ensure our defenses remain effective and credible against all threats.”

Additionally, Rutte pledged to “step up” support for Ukraine and “bring it ever closer to NATO,” echoing consistent messaging from his predecessor that the country will eventually join the alliance, though there is still no timetable for membership.