NATO Chief: Ukraine War Could End Soon, But Russian Threat Lingers
Mark Rutte, Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), has warned that while the war in Ukraine could potentially end by late 2025, Russia’s threats to Europe are unlikely to disappear.
In an interview with the Spanish newspaper El País, Rutte stated that the conclusion of military conflict or a peace deal does not necessarily mean the strategic threat posed by Russia will be eliminated. He emphasized that Moscow will remain a long-term security challenge for Europe. According to Rutte, any efforts to end the war must be conducted with caution and vigilance to ensure sustainable security across the continent.
Rutte also said NATO is working towards establishing a lasting peace in Ukraine. Referring to certain provisions in the U.S. peace plan, he noted that while some aspects are acceptable, others need to be revised. He added that consultations between Ukraine, the United States, and the European Union are ongoing.
Previously, the Trump administration proposed a 28-point peace plan, which has since been revised following negotiations between Washington and Kyiv. The total number of points was reduced, with some contentious demands removed, following criticism from Ukraine’s European partners.
According to Ukrainian media reports, American and Ukrainian negotiators have reached agreements on certain aspects of the plan. Issues that remain unresolved are expected to be addressed in an upcoming meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin has responded to the initial peace proposal. Russian government spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the proposal as a “suitable basis for dialogue.”
Despite the ongoing peace talks, it is evident that Russia’s threat extends beyond the battlefield in Ukraine. NATO maintains that this danger should be taken seriously and cannot be addressed with superficial solutions.
