Ukraine must be in position of strength before talks with Russia – Rutte

A journalist asked if Trump's statement that negotiations are starting immediately means that Ukraine is beginning negotiations from a position of weakness.

"No, I don’t completely agree with you," Rutte said.

According to the Secretary General, even if talks begin, they won’t conclude on the first or second day.

"We have to make sure that talks are successful and at the same time to make sure that Putin understands that the West is united, that Ukraine is getting all the support it needs to prevail," he noted.

He also emphasized that Putin must understand that the negotiations will only end when they are certain the outcome will be long-term.

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.

At the same time, several European and Ukrainian media outlets have begun suggesting that the direct conversation between Trump and Putin may indicate that the US could negotiate peace in Ukraine without Ukraine or European countries involved.

In particular, British Defense Secretary John Healey believes that negotiations on Ukraine cannot take place without it, and that Ukraine's voice should be at the center of any negotiations.

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy insists on Europe’s involvement in the negotiations, emphasizing that Ukraine needs fair partners.

For more on how Europe is reacting to Trump's talks with Putin, read the material by RBC-Ukraine.