NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to find a way to reestablish his relationship with US President Donald Trump after their tense clash at the White House on Friday, as reported by Reuters. The meeting showed sharp differences on how to end Russia’s ongoing invasion. Zelensky stressed the need to strengthen security commitments whereas Trump’s administration indicated a diplomatic dialogue with Moscow. Rutte called the encounter ‘’unfortunate’’, marking a major tension in Kyiv’s partnership with its most critical military ally.
Acknowledging US assistance in the past for Ukraine
While speaking to BBC, Rutte shared the details of his call with Zelensky, underlining the significance of maintaining a strong relationship with Washington. ‘’I told him, Volodymyr, you must find a way to reestablish your relationship with Donald Trump and his administration. This is vital for the future,’’ Rutte stated.
He also told Zelensky that Trump has played a crucial role in supplying Javelin anti-tank missiles to Ukraine in 2019, a move that later proved essential in Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s full-scale invasion. ‘’Without those Javelins in 2022, Ukraine would have been in a critical situation, ‘’ Rutte highlighted. ‘’We must acknowledge what Trump has done along with his continued support the US has given since then,’’ as reported by Reuters.
NATO stance amid uncertainty
When asked about the heated exchange between Trump and Zelensky, Rutte avoided commenting on specific accusations but maintained the US’s deep commitment to NATO, especially its collective defense principle under Article 5. He referred to Trump as a ‘’friend’’ but avoided commenting on Trump’s warning that Zelensky must work out a settlement or risk losing US support.
‘’I strongly believe the US is committed to secure a lasting peace for Ukraine,’’ Rutte mentioned. ‘’To attain that, all parties, Ukraine, the US, and Europe must work together. That is precisely what President Trump and all of us are working for’’.
On the question if NATO allies could compensate if the US withdraws military aid to Ukraine, Rutte rejected the scenario, focusing on unity instead. ‘’The key is to continue to be united, Ukraine, Europe, and the US must stay on the same path toward peace,’’ he added.
(With inputs from Reuters)