Sky News journalist Adam Parsons reminded everyone of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's statement regarding a potential ceasefire, which could occur if the territories controlled by Ukraine are taken "under NATO's umbrella." However, as Zelensky mentioned, such an official proposal has not yet been made to Ukraine. Parsons inquired about the specifics of any proposals made to Kyiv and questioned whether it is reasonable to assert that the territories occupied by Russia will ultimately remain under its control.
In response, Rutte also quoted Zelensky, recalling his words to allies at the beginning of the full-scale war when he was offered evacuation, stating that he needed weapons, not taxis.
"Right now, I would say that Ukraine does not need more ideas about what the peace process could look like. [...] Let’s not discuss step by step how a peace process might unfold. Ensure that Ukraine has everything it needs to take a strong position when peace negotiations begin, when the Ukrainian government decides it is ready for that," the NATO Secretary-General added.
According to him, these issues are at the center of discussions among foreign ministers at the meeting in Brussels on December 3-4.
"And that is precisely what we will focus on over the next two days. How to provide more military assistance to Ukraine, more missile defense, better coordinate everything we are doing, and ensure that the command [Ukraine – NATO] in Wiesbaden operates as quickly as possible, that the promises are kept – that is what we must do," the Secretary-General continued.
"Therefore, I would say: more military assistance and fewer discussions about what the peace process might look like. We are smart enough to come up with many ways to handle this, but we need to put Ukraine in a position where it can start [negotiations], and it can only begin when it is in a strong position," Rutte emphasized.