NATO Secretary General Rutte plans to meet with Trump to discuss the war in Ukraine

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte plans to meet soon with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to discuss a strategy for a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

This was reported by The Washington Post (WP) columnist David Ignatius, citing unnamed sources.

According to the sources, Mark Rutte intends to travel to Donald Trump’s residence in Florida soon to understand how the Republican plans to resume negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. According to a German official who spoke anonymously, NATO’s Secretary General wants to convey that it is in the interests of both Donald Trump and Europe to ensure a “fair and lasting peace,” while providing security guarantees to Ukraine.

A WP source stated that Mark Rutte’s message to Donald Trump, who will take office in January, could be framed as follows: “You should resolve the Ukrainian issue in a way that won’t haunt you during your presidency.” The article, citing a European official, also reports that in a private conversation in Brussels, the NATO Secretary General urged the leaders of NATO member states “not to gossip about Trump” but to maintain good relations with him.

Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed his readiness to “very quickly” end the Russia-Ukraine conflict by forcing both Russia and Ukraine to start negotiations. Among the options being considered by his team is using support for the Ukrainian Armed Forces as leverage to pressure both Ukraine and Russia.

One potential scenario for a peaceful resolution includes creating a demilitarized zone along the front line, with Ukraine committing not to join NATO for at least 20 years. According to media reports, Mr. Trump’s plans also include appointing a special envoy for peace talks.