NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed that he finds the criticism directed at German Chancellor Olaf Scholz by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to be unwarranted, as reported by news agency DPA. Despite Germany’s crucial support for Ukraine, its reluctance to supply long-range Taurus cruise missiles has caused frustration in Kyiv, which is facing an adversary equipped with a significant arsenal of long-range weaponry.

“I have frequently advised Zelenskiy to refrain from criticizing Olaf Scholz, as I believe it is unjust,” Rutte stated in an interview on Monday, according to DPA. He further noted that, unlike Scholz, he would be willing to provide Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles without imposing restrictions on their usage. “Overall, we recognize that such capabilities are essential for Ukraine,” Rutte remarked, emphasizing that the decision on what allies should supply is not his to make.

Following a November phone call between Scholz and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Zelenskiy remarked that it had created a “Pandora’s box,” which could hinder efforts to isolate the Russian leader and achieve a “fair peace” in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.