NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will urge US President Donald Trump's team during his trip to America not to force Ukraine to conclude a peace agreement against its will, the Financial Times reports.
According to FT sources, Rutte plans to explain at meetings with Trump's associates that an unfair peace in Russia's war against Ukraine will only increase the threat from Moscow to Europe.
It is noted that Rutte's visit will take place against the backdrop of Trump's desire to conclude a peace agreement as soon as possible, which threatens to drive a wedge between the US and Kiev's European allies.
The FT sources added that Rutte will use the meetings with the Defense Minister Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Security Advisor Mike Walz to emphasize that European security would also be at risk if a ''pro-Putin' settlement of the war.
"The main message is to make the Americans understand what is at stake“, said a NATO diplomat.
It was previously reported that Rutte's visit to Washington is scheduled for April 24-25.
American plan for a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia
The Washington Post recently reported that the United States plans to present its proposals for a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia during negotiations in London with representatives of Ukraine, the United Kingdom and France.
According to the publication, this concerns the possibility of recognizing Crimea as Russian, as well as the lifting of some anti-Russian sanctions. Instead, Russia will have to cease hostilities, which will effectively freeze the conflict.
In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that all the talk about Crimea, the Zaporizhzhia NPP and NATO is nothing more than speculation. According to him, the first and key condition for starting any meaningful negotiations is an unconditional ceasefire.
Trump said that Zelensky's public refusal to recognize Crimea as Russian allegedly harms peace talks.
According to him, the situation for Ukraine is difficult and if there is no peace, then in three years "Zelensky could lose the whole country".
NATO chief: I urge Donald Trump not to impose peace on Kiev according to Putin's wishes
According to the publication, this concerns the possibility of recognizing Crimea as Russian, as well as the lifting of some anti-Russian sanctions
Apr 24, 2025 20:20 96
