Secretary General of NATO Mark Rutte he said on Tuesday that he is convinced that American efforts to end the war in Ukraine will bear fruit. “We are all working to end the war against Ukraine with a just and lasting peace. We welcome the efforts of the United States and I am convinced that these efforts will lead to peace in Europe,” Rutte said at a press conference ahead of tomorrow’s meeting of foreign ministers of NATO member states.
The envoy of the American president is staying in Moscow on Tuesday Donald Trump by Steve Witkoff and the president’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and they meet with the Russian president Vladimir Putin
“We want the war to end with a sovereign Ukraine and for Russia to never again be able to attack its neighbors,” the general secretary pointed out, adding that a lot of work has been done on “security guarantees” for Ukraine.
When asked about the initial American plan of 28 points, which provided for Ukraine to give up its membership in NATO, Rutte said that the expansion of the Alliance requires the consensus of the member states, and “there is no consensus on Ukraine now.”
Rutte said that in recent months, European and Canadian allies have secured billions of dollars for the purchase of American equipment and weapons for Ukraine.
“I expect the Allies to announce new contributions in the coming days,” said the Secretary General.
According to the PURL initiative (List of Priority Requests of Ukraine), by which NATO allies and other partners finance and organize the procurement of American weapons, ammunition and military equipment for Ukraine, one billion should be provided per month.
“We are on the right track, we started in August with one billion a month and so far four billion have been secured. For the next year, we also need to secure at least one billion a month for the purchase of basic equipment from the USA,” said Rutte.
The ministers of foreign affairs of the NATO countries will discuss on Wednesday the peace efforts to stop the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the strengthening of defense capabilities and deterrence.
It is unusual that the US Secretary of State will not participate in the meeting. Marco Rubio.
“I don’t want to draw any conclusions from his absence,” Rutte said.
“I don’t remember anything similar in recent history,” said the former NATO spokeswoman. Oana Lungescunoting that his absence would send the wrong signal, especially at a time when closer coordination with European allies is needed on the issue of Ukraine.
Instead of Rubio, the United States will be represented by his deputy Christopher Landau.