Photo Reuters. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte supported Emmanuel Macron's initiative for dialogue with Russia
At a press conference, Mark Rutte noted: “I am ready to support any efforts that can help bring an end to this terrible war as soon as possible. Thanks to the actions of the U.S. President, the situation has moved out of a deadlock, and I believe that any proposals that help end the conflict deserve approval.”
The Secretary General added that each NATO country has the right to “act like the French,” but this should happen in close cooperation with allies.
Later, after a meeting of ministers, Rutte made another remark, emphasizing that the United States is the largest country in the world.
“The U.S. is the most powerful and largest nation on the planet,” he said, explaining the absence of the U.S. Secretary of Defense at the meeting.
He also noted that “the States need to pay attention to other regions of the world.”
Earlier, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot raised the issue of the necessity for European countries supporting Ukraine to establish a direct communication channel with Russia to protect their interests, without shifting responsibility to others.
European governments have also expressed the opinion that it is necessary to appoint their own representative to negotiate with Russia.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also stated that Europe needs to start a dialogue with Russia. She emphasized that European leaders should develop a common position and begin negotiations not only with Kyiv but also with Moscow.
Former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also called on Western countries to engage in dialogue with Russian authorities to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.
