NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Ukraine’s security guarantees include building its army and ensuring US-European commitments. He stressed NATO’s support for Ukraine remains “unwavering” and continues to expand. After meeting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Rutte confirmed NATO will fund a “crucial flow of lethal US weapons.”
Rutte said President Donald Trump assured partners that the US will play a direct role in Ukraine’s security. He emphasized NATO, Europe, and the US are working together to deter Russia from future aggression. Rutte noted discussions continue over potential deployment of foreign troops, but decisions remain premature. Zelenskyy added it is too early to confirm who might provide troops, intelligence, naval, or air presence.
Zelenskyy declared Ukraine needs firm security guarantees to protect future generations from Russian attacks. He called these measures essential to ensuring long-term protection against aggression.
Zelenskyy Pushes for Direct Talks with Putin
Trump met Putin in Alaska and then joined Zelenskyy with European leaders at the White House. He said the next step involves arranging direct talks between the Russian and Ukrainian presidents. Zelenskyy repeated his readiness to meet Putin, but the Kremlin rejected the idea each time.
Lavrov announced no Putin-Zelenskyy summit is planned, despite Trump’s attempts to broker talks. He insisted Putin will only meet Zelenskyy once a proper agenda is prepared, which currently does not exist.
Kyiv Accuses Moscow of Blocking Diplomatic Path
Speaking in Kyiv beside Rutte, Zelenskyy said Moscow deliberately blocks leadership-level talks. He argued that Ukraine, unlike Russia, fears no negotiations. He urged partners to pressure Russia into diplomacy through powerful sanctions.
Zelenskyy insisted the war’s end requires strong international resolve. He said partners must push Russia into dialogue and deliver sanction packages if Moscow avoids peace efforts.
