NATO Chief: Weak Russian delegation "big mistake" in peace talks

We had a very successful meeting with the NATO foreign ministers. There is widespread support for a significant increase in defence spending, which is necessary to keep us safe from the Russian threat, the Chinese military build-up, and terrorism, said NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte during the sidelines of EPC Summit on May 16, CE Report informs.

He noted broad agreement that Europe needs to do much more when it comes to defence, industrial production, and, of course, support for Ukraine - ensuring that Ukraine has what it needs to stay in the fight and ultimately bring this terrible war to a lasting and durable peace.

“Putin realises that after a peace deal or a ceasefire, he will never again attempt to seize any part of Ukrainian territory. So, it was a very good meeting, and we're really looking forward to today's discussions with the foreign ministers here in Tirana. You've had the opportunity in the past, and now again with the NATO ministers,” said Rutte.

The NATO chief also remarked that Putin made a mistake by sending a low-level delegation to Istanbul, led by a historian, during negotiations in 2022.

“The ball is clearly in his court now. He must step up and show seriousness about wanting peace. All the pressure is on him. I know him very well - he's had many negotiations with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands. He knows full well that the ball is in his court, that he's in trouble, and that he made a big mistake by sending such a weak delegation. I think it's very good that the Ukrainians have come to the table with a delegation truly willing to negotiate a ceasefire,” Rutte added.

He concluded by saying that all of Europe is united in the belief that this war must end.

“So many lives are being lost. But at the same time, we must make it clear—and we all know this - that Ukraine did not start this war; Russia did. We must ensure this war ends with a peace that is lasting, durable, and enduring. A peace that guarantees Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin will never again try to seize even one square kilometre - or one square mile - of Ukrainian territory,” he stated.

Photo: Akorda