Rutte: NATO monitors EU contacts with Russia but is not involved in them

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance is aware of the European Union’s attempts to establish diplomatic contact with Russia, but is not itself involved in any way.

The statement came ahead of a scheduled meeting of NATO defense ministers.

“Of course, this discussion is taking place within the EU, I fully respect that and understand why it is happening. But this is purely a European discussion. NATO is not involved in any way, but I am, of course, closely following it, and we keep each other constantly informed,” Rutte said.

On June 17, leading Western media reported on several phone calls made by staff from the cabinet of European Council President António Costa to Moscow. The outlets claimed that “nothing serious was discussed” during those calls.