Rutte responds to whether he believes Putin wants to end war in Ukraine
Photo: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (Getty Images)
Russian President Vladimir Putin is completely unpredictable. The head of the Kremlin started a war against Ukraine and to reach an agreement, he must be present at the negotiating table, stated NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte during a briefing, answering a question from an RBC-Ukraine correspondent.
"I don't know what is exactly in President Putin's mind. I have had many meetings with him between 2010 and 2014 in my previous role. He is a strong negotiator and he is really unpredictable. But if we want to get a peace deal, we need him there," Rutte said.
According to him, Putin started the war against Ukraine, and therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the results of the negotiations are strong.
The NATO Secretary General also added that it is important that other countries, such as those in the Pacific region, China, and India, understand that it is the West that prevails.
Trump’s talks with Putin and Zelenskyy
On February 12, Trump and Putin held a phone conversation during which, among other topics, they discussed the war in Ukraine. Following the call, the US President announced plans to meet with Putin, suggesting that the meeting might take place in Saudi Arabia.
The Kremlin stated that Trump and Putin had instructed their aides to begin preparations for the meeting.
That same day, the US leader also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Later, Trump said he had held "great talks" with both Russia and Ukraine, adding that there is a good opportunity to end the war.
Additionally, Trump expressed the view that Putin wants peace.
"I think I could say with great confidence: he (the Kremlin leader - ed.) wants to see it end," Trump said.
