Rutte states that Russia needs 'do more' to end war in Ukraine

According to Rutte, as part of the US efforts to end the Russian-Ukrainian war through relevant negotiations, last week the ball was clearly in Russia's court.

"They are not moving fast enough, is my impression, including the impression I'm getting from my American interlocutors, that- that Russia really has to do more to bring this war to an end," he said.

NATO Secretary General emphasized that this war must end because so many people are dying, so much Ukrainian infrastructure is damaged, cities are destroyed.

Commenting on the host's remark that the Trump administration wants a complete ceasefire in Ukraine but the Russians only agree to a partial one, and whether he is concerned that Russia is dictating the terms, Rutte said no.

"Because I spoke with Marco Rubio, I'm in regular contact with the other members of the American administration. I think you guys are really trying, step-by-step, to get to a situation where this war can end. But of course, the Russia- Russians also have to dance the tango, and at this moment they don't seem to do so, and then it will be difficult," he said.

Rutte also expressed doubt that Russian President Vladimir Putin is seriously considering the possibility of ending his large-scale military aggression against Ukraine.

"Well, we don't know. I think this is the test now, and we have to see... what his reaction will be to the American proposals," the NATO Secretary General noted.

Issue of a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia

Let us remind you that during their conversation, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to an energy truce. This truce involves ceasing attacks on the energy infrastructure of both sides.

Later, in meetings in Saudi Arabia, delegations from Ukraine and the US, as well as separately the US and Russia, discussed security in the Black Sea. This included ensuring the safety of civilian shipping.

Ukraine agreed to the arrangements discussed with the US, but Russia has set demands, including the lifting of some sanctions, the cessation of military aid to Ukraine, and more. A few weeks ago, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that Ukraine-Russia negotiations are impossible without concessions from both sides.

It should also be noted that Ukraine has already outlined its "red lines" in the peace process. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the country will not agree to a reduction in the size of its military. He also does not recognize the temporarily occupied territories as Russian.

Additionally, recently US President Donald Trump has expressed increasing dissatisfaction with the fact that the peace he promised is still far off, as it has been for a long time.

For more about the truce and what Ukraine, the US, and Russia say about it, read the article on RBC-Ukraine.