NATO chief urges Ukraine to delay any peace talks with Russia

NATO's new top diplomat, Secretary General Mark Rutte, has suggested that Ukraine should delay peace talks with Russia until it has received sufficient military aid to strengthen its position on the battlefield.

Rutte’s remarks came ahead of two days of foreign ministers' meetings at NATO headquarters, including Ukraine’s representatives, Caliber.Az reports, citing US media.

In his statement, Rutte emphasized that the timing of negotiations with Russia should be a decision for Ukraine to make, but he underscored the importance of military support. With the war approaching its third year, Rutte urged NATO members to prioritize sending more weapons, ammunition, and air defence systems to Ukraine before considering any peace discussions.

“We must ensure that Ukraine has what it needs to gain a position of strength when the peace talks begin,” Rutte stated, adding, “More military aid, and fewer discussions about what the peace process might look like.”

His comments come amid increasing concerns about the possibility of a ceasefire favorable to Russia, particularly with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s vow to pursue a quick resolution to the conflict. Kyiv fears that such an outcome could undermine its territorial integrity and sovereignty.

At the same time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has recently softened his previously firm stance on territorial concessions. While he had long insisted on no territorial compromises, Zelensky has signalled that Ukraine might be open to ceding some land in exchange for NATO membership—a shift in rhetoric that marks a significant change in Kyiv's negotiation strategy.

However, despite these adjustments, NATO membership for Ukraine remains unlikely while the war continues. Zelenskyy’s comments reflect the evolving dynamics of the conflict, as Ukraine seeks to strengthen its position both militarily and diplomatically.

As the war continues, discussions on the future of peace negotiations are set to intensify. NATO’s focus remains on supporting Ukraine’s defence efforts, but the path toward a potential resolution is still uncertain.

By Khagan Isayev