NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has said that the alliance's member states will not deploy troops to Ukraine, despite the support Russia receives from countries such as North Korea. This was stated in an interview with Fox News, cited by Focus.
"I think it would be unwise to do so,", Rutte categorically emphasized in response to a question about the possibility of NATO sending its troops to Ukraine. He specified that the goal was to avoid a full confrontation, in which the members of the Alliance would become active participants in the war.
Support for Ukraine instead of direct intervention
Rutte noted that NATO's main task at the moment is to ensure that Ukraine can continue to defend itself and achieve a position of strength necessary for possible future negotiations with Russia.
"What needs to be done is to ensure that Ukrainians can continue to fight this battle. Ukraine should be at the negotiating table, but only when it is in a position to benefit from those negotiations. They are at a disadvantage right now," explained the Secretary General.
European and American coordination
Rütte also stressed the importance of greater support from European countries for Ukraine, while emphasizing the key role of the US and its defense capacity.
"European countries need help from the US and its powerful defense industry. I am confident that the collective efforts of NATO, President Trump and other leaders can force Putin to the negotiating table," Rutte stated.
At the end of the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin needs to be convinced that continuing the war is not in his best interest, according to NATO's secretary general.
A general approach to conflict
Rütte expressed hope that with Ukraine in a stronger position and coordinated efforts by NATO countries, the necessary pressure on Russia can be created. He also agreed with President Donald Trump that Europe should take a more active role in supporting Kiev.
Although NATO rules out the deployment of its troops in Ukraine, the Alliance remains committed to helping Kiev achieve a better position in the conflict and create conditions for effective negotiations.