Don't empower Putin: Why Rutte warns against making peace negotiations with Russia public.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that the details of a potential peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia should remain behind closed doors. According to him, any public discussion risks giving the Kremlin an undesired advantage. Rutte urged not to make Putin more informed and stronger, and Ukraine should enter negotiations from a position of strength.

He shared this in an interview with Voice of America. Rutte emphasized that disclosing details could weaken Ukraine's position during negotiations.

"Why are we having these discussions on television now? Otherwise, when he sits down at the negotiating table, he will already know what we are planning to do," the NATO Secretary General highlighted.

He also noted that the support for Ukraine from European countries remains "unwavering." All allies are eager for Ukraine to enter negotiations with Russia from a strong position.

"We are all with you. We want you to be in a strong position when it comes to negotiating on your terms," Rutte added.

The NATO Secretary General warned against making preliminary agreements regarding a peace deal without involving Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in the process. In his view, discussing guarantees, Ukraine's NATO membership, or territorial concessions without Kremlin participation could play into Russia's hands.

"If I were sitting in the Kremlin right now, I would say: this is very positive for me, and I’m not even at the negotiating table," he remarked.

Rutte emphasized that NATO is working on future dialogue, including the possibility of cooperation with the newly elected Donald Trump administration in the U.S. Thus, the Alliance aims to ensure that future negotiations are conducted solely on Ukraine's terms, without giving additional leverage to the aggressor.

Russia is recovering quickly, while Ukraine currently lacks a strong position

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that Russia is significantly faster in rebuilding its military capabilities than anticipated. As a result, there is a need to reassess defense measures and strengthen them. Rutte also commented on discussions regarding a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that Ukraine currently lacks a strong position to initiate peace negotiations with Russia. He emphasized that any agreement must be beneficial to Ukraine. Otherwise, there is a long-term security threat.