Visiting NATO chief says support for Ukraine unwavering

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte says he has visited the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and declared the military alliance's support for Ukraine is unwavering.

Rutte's visit was a show of solidarity with Ukraine following a Russian missile strike on the northern city of Sumy on Sunday that killed 35 people and wounded more than 100.

"Ukraine's people have endured so much - not least Russia's Palm Sunday attack on Sumy. NATO support is unwavering," Rutte said in a post on social media platform X.

"We will continue to help Ukraine so it can defend today and deter future aggression, ensuring a just and lasting peace."

The trip took place as the United States - NATO's dominant power - is seeking to broker a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine and it followed fresh criticism of Zelenskiy by US President Donald Trump.

Zelenskiy said he and Rutte had visited a hospital where Ukrainian soldiers were recovering from their wounds.

"We spoke with our warriors. I presented state awards to our defenders. I am grateful to our guys for their strength, resilience and for protecting our people," he said on X.

"I also presented awards to the combat medics," he added.

"I thank everyone who defends, treats, endures and supports Ukraine. You are our strength."

Zelenskiy initiated proceedings on Tuesday to dismiss the military governor of the northeastern Sumy region.

The government backed the efforts to dismiss Volodymyr Artyukh, its parliamentary representative Taras Melynchuck wrote on Telegram.

On Monday, Artyukh confirmed that military personnel had gathered for an award ceremony in the city of Sumy at the time of the heavy Russian missile attack.

He stressed, however, that he had not initiated the event.

Artyukh has been military governor of the Sumy region for almost two years.

Ukraine's military said on Tuesday that it had hit a base belonging to the Russian rocket brigade that conducted the Sumy missile attack.

"(A base) of the 448th missile brigade of the Russian occupiers was hit, a secondary detonation of ammunition was recorded. The results of the strike are being clarified," the military said in a statement on Telegram.

with DPA