Mark Rutte, NATO’s chief, urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to repair his strained ties with U.S. President Donald Trump. The call followed a tense White House meeting where differences emerged over ending Russia’s prolonged invasion.
Zelenskiy sought strong security guarantees, while Trump pushed for diplomacy with Vladimir Putin. Mark Rutte described the meeting as “unfortunate,” highlighting a deepening rift between Ukraine and its key military ally. This friction comes at a crucial time, raising concerns about Kyiv’s future support.
He refrained from commenting on Trump’s warning that Zelenskiy risked triggering World War Three. Trump insisted Ukraine must strike a deal or face losing U.S. support. Despite the controversy, Rutte emphasized the necessity of unity among the U.S., Europe, and Ukraine to achieve lasting peace.
When asked if NATO allies could compensate for a U.S. withdrawal, Mark Rutte sidestepped the question. Instead, he stressed the need for collective commitment, aligning with Trump’s broader goal of securing peace.