NATO director voices remarks on Putin-Trump phone call
(MENAFN) NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has described the recent phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin as a positive step in restoring diplomatic communication. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Rutte called the conversation a “good sign” and praised Trump’s “leadership” in seeking a resolution to the Ukraine conflict.
Rutte highlighted that no direct talks with Russia had occurred until January, when Trump took office and reopened lines of communication with Putin. “He broke the deadlock from day one,” Rutte noted.
When asked if more pressure should be placed on Russia, Rutte avoided specifics, instead emphasizing appreciation for the U.S.'s renewed leadership. “It would not be wise for me, as NATO chief, to comment on every step,” he added.
Both leaders characterized the Monday call as constructive. Trump expressed optimism that progress on Ukraine could be made within two weeks. According to the Kremlin, Putin thanked Trump for backing direct talks between Moscow and Kiev.
Yury Ushakov, a top foreign policy advisor to Putin, said the discussion was conducted with “mutual respect,” and that Trump had voiced interest in improving U.S.-Russia relations. Putin later stated that both sides agreed on drafting a memorandum to outline the key principles and steps for a potential peace deal. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov clarified that no firm deadline exists for finalizing the document.
Rutte’s comments come at a time when NATO countries are ramping up military production for Ukraine. In March, the European Commission proposed a €800 billion ($896 billion) plan to boost EU defense capabilities. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has urged European NATO members to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP, arguing the longstanding 2% benchmark is inadequate.
Russia, for its part, has condemned Europe’s militarization efforts and rejected claims it plans to attack NATO or the EU. Moscow has expressed concern that instead of backing U.S.-led peace efforts, European governments appear to be preparing for conflict.
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