Rutte assessed Trump's position on ending the war in Ukraine following the G7 summit
Kyiv • UNN
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte supported Donald Trump's desire to end the war in Ukraine. He noted that Putin is not yet ready for peace negotiations.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte noted the positive role of US President Donald Trump in attempts to end Russia's war against Ukraine, answering a question about whether Trump is moving closer to Ukraine's position on ending the war, UNN reports citing The Guardian.
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The NATO Secretary General noted that he has obviously "always been positive about the US position" and praised Trump for "breaking the deadlock" last year.
He pointed out that the situation on the battlefield has "changed somewhat," amid the fact that "Russia is currently not advancing."
Rutte said that "Ukraine is indeed feeling better now," but it takes "two to tango" to end the war, and he noted that Putin does not yet seem ready to join the negotiations.
"And the American president, I think, has been playing a very positive role for a year and a half in trying to end this war; he wants to end it, and I fully support him," Rutte stated.
Rutte also noted that the G7 statement on Ukraine shows that all NATO allies are "fully committed to ensuring that Ukraine maintains its position in the fight against Russia and is able to defend itself."
He said the US also continues its support in areas that only they can provide, including Patriot air defense systems, which are paid for by European and Canadian allies.
Rutte also noted that he wants the NATO summit in Ankara to bring an "absolutely ironclad commitment" to the NATO spending pledges made last year and to the support for Ukraine.
As the publication notes, Rutte was pressed on his arguments regarding Europe taking more responsibility for its own defense, amid suggestions of a risk that this could detract from their support for Ukraine.
He pointed out that these two aspects must go "hand in hand, and everyone realizes this."
Rutte responds on what Ukraine can expect from the NATO summit17.06.26, 12:36 • 4672 views