NATO’s Mark Rutte expresses confidence in US-led peace efforts for Ukraine, as Washington engages Moscow directly while Europe seeks to maintain support for Kyiv.
BRUSSELS: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed confidence on Tuesday that US-led diplomatic efforts could eventually bring peace to Ukraine.
“We are all working to bring the war against Ukraine to an end, with a just and lasting peace,” Rutte told journalists.
“I am confident that these sustained efforts will, eventually, restore peace in Europe.”
His comments came as US representatives were in Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Rutte said Kyiv had already shown it was ready to engage with President Donald Trump’s efforts.
The NATO chief said the focus was now on whether Russia was also willing to engage.
NATO foreign ministers will discuss the US push to end the fighting at a meeting in Brussels on Wednesday.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is skipping the gathering, an unusual step.
Rutte insisted he was in close contact with Rubio and said not to read anything into the absence.
Europe has been largely sidelined by Washington’s direct diplomacy, raising fears Kyiv could be pressured into a deal favouring Moscow.
Rutte stressed that any NATO-related elements of a peace deal would be handled separately and include the alliance.
He reiterated that the door remained open for Ukraine’s NATO membership bid.
Rutte noted there is currently no consensus within the alliance on Ukraine joining.
As the US pursues diplomacy, Rutte said NATO allies would work to maintain support for Kyiv.
He expected fresh announcements from European allies on contributing to a scheme to buy American arms for Ukraine.
