Brussels: The NATO secretary general emphasized the necessity to fortify Ukraine ahead of any peace negotiations in a recent press conference. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, speaking alongside Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov in Brussels, stated, "Clearly, what we need to achieve is for Ukraine to get in the best possible position when talks start, and then to make sure that when talks end on peace in Ukraine, that the outcome is enduring, is durable." He further highlighted the ongoing need for military support.
According to Anadolu Agency, Rutte announced the initiation of a "joint structure between Ukraine and NATO" set to commence next week in Poland. This collaboration aims to ensure that both parties assimilate all lessons and insights from the situation in Ukraine. Umerov, affirming Ukraine's resolve, stated, "We are strong, we are capable, we are able, we will deliver," expressing gratitude towards NATO countries for their support. He emphasized Ukraine's focus on "security assistance," acknowledging the continuous support from the US and NATO.
In the context of peace deals, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas remarked that any agreement made without European and Ukrainian involvement would be ineffective. She stressed the importance of Europe's role, stating, "For any kind of deal, any kind of agreement, you need Europeans to implement this deal; you need the Ukrainians to implement this." Kallas further noted that NATO membership represents the strongest and most economical security guarantee for Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump, following discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, announced an agreement to commence negotiations to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Trump also communicated with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. These developments came after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's assertion that a return to Ukraine's pre-2014 borders was unrealistic and that NATO membership for Kyiv was not perceived as a solution by the US. European leaders have consistently maintained that any peace process must involve both Kyiv and Europe.