NATO chief Mark Rutte says Ukraine is not in a position to start peace talks with Russia. “At this moment, clearly Ukraine is not there, because they cannot at this moment negotiate from a position of strength. We have to do more to make sure by changing the trajectory of the conflict that they can get to that position of strength,” Rutte told members of the European Parliament on January 13.
Rutte made the remarks days before the inauguration of US president-elect Donald Trump who has criticized Biden administration’s military aid to Ukraine and pledged to end the war as soon as possible, raising fears that Kyiv might be forced to make concessions during peace negotiations with Russia.
"We all want this war to end, but above all, we want peace to last. Peace will not last if Putin gets his way in Ukraine because then he will press ahead,” the NATO chief said, adding that “peace can only last if Ukraine comes to the table from a position of strength.”
Rutte also urged NATO to increase defense spending, explaining that alliance’s threshold of 2% of gross domestic product is not enough to face Putin’s threats. "If we don't do it, we are safe now but not in four or five years.. So, if you don't do it, get out your Russian-language courses or go to New Zealand."
