Brussels, 3 Feb. (LaPresse) – "Putin long thought that Ukraine was weak, that your supporters would tire, that our will would falter. He was very wrong. Ukraine is strong and our support is unwavering. I acknowledge that focusing on other global events might have caused concern. Concern that our attention could be divided. At this moment, when you needed our support more than ever, while temperatures were plunging, attacks on your energy infrastructure were intensifying, and talks to end this terrible war were ongoing. But I want to assure you that our focus has not been diverted. Ukraine is and will remain essential to our security. And our commitment to support it is constant." This was stated by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in his address to the Verkhovna Rada, the Ukrainian Parliament.