Rutte will urge Trump's team not to impose a peace deal with the Kremlin's terms on Ukraine - FT
Photo: US President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (GettyImages)
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, during his trip to America, will urge President Donald Trump's team not to force Ukraine into a peace agreement against its will, according to the Financial Times.
According to FT sources, Rutte plans to explain in meetings with Trump's aides that an unjust peace in the Russia-Ukraine war would only increase the threat from Moscow to Europe.
It is noted that Rutte's visit comes amid Trump's desire to quickly secure a peace agreement, which threatens to create a rift between the US and Europe's allies of Kyiv.
FT sources added that Rutte will use meetings with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz to emphasize that European security would also be at risk if a pro-Putin settlement to the war is imposed on Ukraine.
"The key message is making the Americans understand what’s at stake," said one NATO diplomat.
Earlier, it was reported that Rutte's visit to Washington is scheduled for April 24 and 25.
US plan for a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia
Recently, The Washington Post reported that the United States plans to present its proposals for a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia during negotiations in London with representatives from Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and France.
According to the outlet, the plan includes the possibility of recognizing Crimea as Russian, as well as lifting some of the anti-Russian sanctions. In exchange, Russia would be expected to halt hostilities, effectively freezing the conflict.
In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that any discussions about Crimea, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and NATO are nothing more than speculation. He emphasized that the first and most important condition for starting any meaningful negotiations is the unconditional cessation of hostilities.
Donald Trump, on the other hand, stated that Zelenskyy's public refusal to recognize Crimea as Russian supposedly harms peace talks.
He mentioned that the situation for Ukraine is difficult, and if peace is not achieved, the country could lose everything in three years.
