Rutte: Trump’s meeting with Putin will test the dictator’s intentions to end the war.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called the upcoming meeting between US and Russian presidents an important test of Putin’s seriousness toward ending the war in Ukraine. He emphasized that Friday will be a step toward the start of full-scale negotiations covering issues of territorial integrity, security guarantees, and Ukraine’s right to independently determine its future as a sovereign state without external restrictions.

Rutte underscored the importance of recognizing Ukraine’s right to choose its own geopolitical course and military potential, as well as NATO’s continued presence on the Alliance’s eastern flank without restrictions. According to Rutte, the meeting should mark the beginning of an important negotiation process that reflects Ukraine’s interests and the security of the European region as a whole.

He also stated that the Alliance will maintain responsibility for the coordination and supply of weapons to Ukraine, regardless of the outcome of Trump’s meeting with Putin. NATO plans to “provide Ukraine with everything it needs to continue the fight and achieve the best position” when negotiations for a ceasefire or peace agreement commence. Meanwhile, European officials maintain that any future agreement should be accompanied by strict sanctions should Russia violate the terms.