NATO Secretary General comments on Russia-Ukraine talks: 'The ball is now in Russia's court'

NATO Secretary General Rutte held meetings with US President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth as part of his Washington contacts.

Speaking to reporters after his meeting with Trump at the White House, Rutte said that his discussions with both Trump and Hegseth went very well.

Rutte stated, "We are all very excited to see a NATO that is spending much more on defense, especially on the European and Canadian side. This is truly a stronger, fairer, and also more lethal NATO."

Noting that the US is taking the lead in ending the Russia-Ukraine war and that Trump is at the forefront of this, Rutte remarked that he does not believe the US will withdraw from the negotiations.

Regarding the talks between Moscow and Kyiv, Rutte said, "Right now, the Ukrainians are really playing the game at the table, and I think the ball is now in Russia's court."

When asked whether Russian President Vladimir Putin wants peace, Rutte replied, "I don't know. I stopped trying to read Putin's mind during my 2010-2014 term as Prime Minister of the Netherlands."

Emphasizing that NATO members' defense spending should be higher than 2 percent of their GDP, the NATO Secretary General stated, "This rate should be well above 3 percent."

Recalling the recent US-Ukraine talks in London, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte pointed out that these meetings were successful and added that he hopes the process will move forward in the fastest and most constructive manner possible.

News Source: 12punto