NATO Chief Says The Ball Is Clearly In Russia’s Court Now

‘I’m seeing a situation that under President Trump’s leadership could bring this to a positive end,’ says Mark Rutte

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that the responsibility for a potential ceasefire in Ukraine now lies with Russia. This comment followed his meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House, where Rutte also engaged with high-ranking officials such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.

When asked about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intentions regarding peace, Rutte admitted that he was unsure, recalling his past interactions with Putin from 2010 to 2014 when he served as Prime Minister of the Netherlands. Rutte clarified that he had stopped attempting to understand Putin’s mindset. He also highlighted the role of President Trump, who he credited with breaking the deadlock in the situation.

Regarding the involvement of the United States in the Russia-Ukraine talks, Rutte pointed to the outcomes of a recent meeting in London, expressing optimism about the direction of the discussions and dismissing concerns about a US pullout from the talks.

“There is something on the table now, I think, where the Ukrainians are really playing ball, and I think the ball is clearly in the Russian court now,” Rutte told reporters.