NATO chief backs Trump's idea to stop Ukraine war along front line
Photo: Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary General (Getty Images)
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte supports US President Donald Trump's idea of stopping the Russia-Ukraine war along the current front line during a briefing with journalists.
He was asked whether he considers a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia necessary before the start of peace talks.
In response, Rutte recalled that Trump recently called on Ukraine and Russia to stop where they are.
It "sounds simple, but of course is also exactly right. I totally agree with him. Stop where you are - that's the main message. We will dialogue this afternoon further, and I'm there to deliver whatever NATO can do - me personally, the ambassador, all of us - to deliver on his vision," Rutte said.
Trump’s call
Last week, US President Donald Trump held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin and a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
According to Western media, during the call, Putin stated he was willing to withdraw troops from the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions if Ukraine handed over the entire Donetsk region to Russia.
At the same time, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy rejected the idea, emphasizing that he will not withdraw Ukrainian defenders from the Donetsk region or give the region to Russia.
Against this backdrop, the US leader called on Ukraine and Russia to stop where their soldiers are and suggested that each side declare victory.
Russia has already rejected the proposal. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that a ceasefire would not solve Russia's problems.
