Moscow has consistently stated that Kiev’s desire to join NATO is a major factor in the ongoing conflict.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has confirmed that Ukraine’s membership in the alliance is not being considered as part of US and Russian efforts to achieve peace in the Ukraine conflict. Following a meeting with US President Donald Trump, Rutte told Bloomberg TV that any security guarantees for Kiev should be discussed after a peace agreement or ceasefire is reached.
Ukraine has sought NATO membership as a security guarantee to end the conflict with Russia. However, Moscow has identified Kiev’s NATO aspirations as a primary cause of the conflict and insists on Ukraine’s neutrality as a basis for any resolution.
When Bloomberg’s Annmarie Hordern asked if Trump intended to offer Kiev security guarantees in his attempt to resolve the conflict, Rutte avoided a direct answer, stating that such guarantees would be needed to “keep a peace deal,” suggesting it’s too early to discuss them without an agreement. He confirmed that Trump had already ruled out the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO when specifically asked by the journalist.
Rutte added that Trump desires a “peace to be lasting and durable,” implying that Ukraine will receive other offers to encourage a ceasefire. However, he dismissed the possibility of formal NATO involvement in the process.
“There are various ways to [provide security guarantees]… But direct NATO involvement as NATO would be challenging. NATO might offer advice,” he said.
“Before delving into the details of maintaining peace, you must first have an agreement; it’s a gradual process,” Rutte stated, expressing optimism that a deal could be reached this year.
Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday as part of ongoing efforts to negotiate a resolution to the Ukraine conflict. Witkoff traveled to Moscow to provide more detailed information regarding this week’s US-Ukraine talks in Saudi Arabia, which concluded with Kiev agreeing to a proposed 30-day ceasefire with Russia.
The specifics of the Putin-Witkoff meeting have not been disclosed, but at a press conference on Thursday, the Russian leader said he was willing to discuss Trump’s ceasefire proposal.
“`