NATO chief backs US president's peace efforts in Ukraine

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has expressed his willingness to support US President Donald Trump in his pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Rutte underscored his collaborative approach, stating, “There is no special secret, I like working with him and I think he does either,” Rutte said, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

Rutte further emphasized his desire to assist Trump in achieving what he described as “lasting peace” in Ukraine, which has been embroiled in conflict since 2014. His comments came in the wake of growing international attention on the role of external powers, including the United States, in efforts to resolve the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Meanwhile, President Trump reiterated his optimism about reaching a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine, noting that his administration would continue to explore diplomatic channels to end the war. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump remained hopeful, despite the complex and ongoing nature of the conflict.

Trump’s stance was echoed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who, in early April, affirmed that the Trump administration remains hopeful about achieving a peaceful resolution to the Ukrainian conflict. Rubio further clarified that the White House was not interested in employing “delaying tactics,” instead prioritizing a prompt and definitive peace agreement.

The focus on peace talks comes amid growing internal discussions within Ukraine. Ukrainian MP Oleksandr Dubinsky, currently under pre-trial detention on charges of state treason, has suggested that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy should initiate direct negotiations with Russia to ensure a fair settlement that protects Ukraine’s interests.

As the situation in Ukraine remains fluid, the United States has also made the decision to withdraw from a key support center for Ukraine, marking another shift in the international dynamic surrounding the conflict. The withdrawal signals a potential shift in US involvement in the region, raising further questions about the future of NATO’s support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression.

By Vafa Guliyeva