NATO’s new Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the need for increased support for Ukraine and condemned Russia’s use of North Korean troops and weapons, Iranian drones, and Chinese dual-use goods on a visit to Athens.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte urged the alliance on Tuesday to deliver greater support for Ukraine after a record Russian drone attack during the night. Rutte said NATO support was critical for upholding Ukraine's defence against the Russian invasion but that the alliance needs "to go further to change the trajectory of the conflict.

Russia opposes simply freezing the conflict in Ukraine because Moscow needs a "solid and long-term peace" that resolves the core reasons for the crisis, President Vladimir Putin's foreign intelligence chief said on Tuesday.