NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte positively appreciated the efforts aimed at establishing peace in Ukraine and a series of telephone conversations held on the eve of US President Donald Trump on this issue.
Speaking at a meeting of the Ministers of Defense of the European Union in Brussels, Rutta noted that such threats as “ongoing aggression from Russia, military extension of China and terrorism, represent a risk for both the EU and NATO.”
He said that at a meeting of EU ministers it is planned to discuss an increase in defense expenses and production, as well as what Ukraine needs to achieve a sustainable world.
Answering the question of the latest events related to peaceful negotiations in Ukraine after a series of telephone conversations Trump, Rutte said that he did not want to comment on every new development of events daily. “
At the same time, the Secretary General expressed the appreciation of the United States for involvement in peaceful initiatives.
“The US administration is extremely active and is in close coordination with European partners. There were no negotiations between Ukraine and Russia until January. In my opinion, it is positive that President Trump began to open communication channels with the Russian leader,” he said.
NATO Secretary General emphasized that the negotiations that Trump held with the President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky, Russian President Vladimir Putin, European leaders and representatives of the European Commission are an encouraging signal.