NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met with the NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General Christopher Cavoli and other senior officials during his first visit to the Alliance’s Supreme Headquarters (SHAPE) in the Belgian city of Mons on Monday (14 October 2024).

In the afternoon, the Secretary General travelled with General Cavoli to Wiesbaden, Germany to visit NATO’s new Security Assistance and Training Ukraine (NSATU) command at the Clay Barracks, where the Secretary General also met with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius.

In talking with the troops, Mr. Rutte noted how important their work was, preparing the way for 700 personnel who will be stationed in Wiesbaden and at logistical nodes on the Eastern flank of the Alliance. He said that the new command will make a real difference for Ukraine on the battlefield and “for our own security”.

NSATU will coordinate the provision of military training and equipment for Ukraine by NATO Allies and partners – including artillery, ammunition and air defences – and will help Ukrainian forces prepare for the future.