NATO chief Rutte, Zelenskyy visit wounded Ukrainian soldiers in Odesa

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) – NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday visited a military hospital in Odesa, meeting wounded soldiers and reaffirming allied support in the aftermath of Russia’s missile strike on Sumy.

“Ukraine’s people have endured so much – not least Russia’s Palm Sunday attack on Sumy. NATO support is unwavering,” Rutte said after the visit on X. “We will continue to help Ukraine so it can defend today and deter future aggression, ensuring a just and lasting peace.”

Zelenskyy said he presented state awards to injured servicemen and praised their “strength and resilience.” He also honored combat medics for saving lives under fire in Kherson, Kharkiv and Mykolaiv.

“I thank everyone who defends, treats, endures, and supports Ukraine. You are our strength,” he added.

On Sunday, at least 35 people were killed and 117 injured in a Russian missile strike on the northeastern city of Sumy, about 31 kilometers (19.2 miles) from the Russian border, according to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service. Russia said it hit a meeting of Ukrainian officers in Sumy.