Russia's approach to peace talks with Ukraine is not constructive, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said, quoted by the „Reuters“ agency. His comment came on the eve of a meeting with the foreign ministers of six key European countries in Rome, BTA reports.
„The Russians have sent this historian - probably referring to Kremlin adviser Vladimir Medinsky - to the talks in Istanbul twice now. They start with history from 1,000 years ago and then explain that Ukraine is to blame. In my opinion, that is not useful,“ Rutte said. However, he stressed that efforts are being made to make progress, albeit step by step.
For his part, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced that his country would need at least 10 years to increase defense spending to the levels expected to be adopted as new targets within NATO. Tajani added that an agreement on this issue was expected soon.
“I believe that we can do a good job with NATO and arrive at the summit in The Hague with an agreement ready in advance. This will allow the alliance to demonstrate its unity“, said the Italian foreign minister, speaking alongside Rutte.
The NATO summit will be held on 24 and 25 June in The Hague and will bring together the leaders of member states at a key moment for European security.