NATO member countries are discussing and working on the next steps for how to collectively keep the Arctic safe, alliance chief Mark Rutte said on Monday (January 12).

The alliance has previously discussed how to work together to make sure that the Arctic stay safe, Rutte told reporters in a news conference in Zagreb, Croatia.

"We are working on the next steps to make sure that indeed, we collectively protect what is at stake here," Rutte added.

The NATO leader also addressed Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, condemning the recent use of an Oreshnik missile on Lviv and continued attacks on civilian infrastructure.

"Russia is trying to deter us from supporting Ukraine, but we will not be deterred," Rutte said, emphasizing that NATO support for Ukraine remains crucial during the harsh winter months.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

ZAGREB, CROATIA (JANUARY 12, 2026) (NATO TV-Access all)

1. CROATIAN PRIME MINISTER ANDREJ PLENKOVIC AND NATO SECRETARY GENERAL MARK RUTTE ARRIVING AT PRESS CONFERENCE

2. (SOUNDBITE) (English) NATO SECRETARY GENERAL, MARK RUTTE, SAYING:

“Let me first of all stress that all allies agree on the importance of the Arctic and Arctic security, because we know that with sea lanes opening up, there is a risk that the Russians and the Chinese will be more active.”

3. PLENKOVIC SPEAKING

4. (SOUNDBITE) (English) NATO SECRETARY GENERAL, MARK RUTTE, SAYING:

“And currently we are working on the next steps to make sure that indeed, we collectively protect what is at stake here.”

5. (SOUNDBITE) (Croatian) CROATIAN PRIME MINISTER, ANDREJ PLENKOVIC, SAYING:

"It is also obvious what the Secretary General says, that there are security concerns in the Arctic region, which includes Greenland. However, I am sure that by talking, it's possible to find a solution that will ensure security for the United States of America, and for Denmark, the thing we all respect, the fact that Greenland is part of Denmark, although it is not in the European Union, but it is clear that it falls under its (Denmark's) jurisdiction. That is why a good dialogue, in our opinion, can resolve a situation like this for the benefit of all and for general, global security."

6. (SOUNDBITE) (English) NATO SECRETARY GENERAL, MARK RUTTE, SAYING:

“And I believe that Donald Trump is doing the right things for NATO by encouraging us all to spend more, to equalize this, with what the US is spending. We had a very successful summit in The Hague, where we decided on the 5% defense spending, including 3.5% on core defense. I'm absolutely convinced that without Donald Trump, we would never have had that result at the summit in The Hague.

7. PRESS CONFERENCE IN PROGRESS

8. (SOUNDBITE) (English) NATO SECRETARY GENERAL, MARK RUTTE, SAYING:

“Russia's brutal war of aggression continues. And we saw just last week the use of the Oreshnik missile on Lviv and continued attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure. Russia is trying to deter us from supporting Ukraine, but we will not be deterred. As Ukraine faces immense pressure during the harsh winter, your support and the support of all NATO allies is more important than ever.”

9. PRESS CONFERENCE IN PROGRESS