Trump-Zelensky dispute: NATO calls for unity and peace
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte told the BBC that the recent dispute between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky was “regrettable” and emphasized the importance of Zelensky restoring his relationship with the U.S. president, according to The Guardian.
“I spoke with President Zelensky twice over the phone. I told him that we must remain united— the United States, Ukraine, and Europe— to achieve lasting peace for Ukraine,” Rutte said.
When asked about Zelensky’s comments on his meeting with Trump, Rutte declined to disclose details but stated that he made it clear to Zelensky that he “must acknowledge what President Trump has done for Ukraine so far,” referencing the U.S. supply of Javelin anti-tank missiles.
Rutte further stressed that Ukraine would be “nowhere” without U.S. support. “So, I told him, we must truly give Trump credit for what he did then, what America has done since, and what the U.S. continues to do.”
“I spoke with Donald Trump for half an hour on Thursday over the phone. We are friends; we have worked together for years. I know he is committed to bringing lasting peace to Ukraine. He supports NATO and expects European allies and Canada to increase defense spending and boost arms production. And he is right. I am fully convinced that the U.S. wants to bring Ukraine to a sustainable peace. But to get there, we must all work together,” Rutte stated.
He added that it is essential for Zelensky to find a way to rebuild his relationship with Trump and senior U.S. leaders. “I discussed this with Zelensky yesterday, as well as with Keir Starmer. Later today, Zelensky and Starmer will meet, and tomorrow, an important meeting will take place.”
Addressing the future of peace efforts, Rutte stressed the role of European nations in ensuring security guarantees for Ukraine: “When a peace agreement is reached, it is crucial— and I believe this will become clear tomorrow— that many European countries are willing to step up and ensure that security guarantees are in place for Ukraine so that this agreement remains sustainable and is not once again challenged by Russia.”
Zelensky’s recent visit to Washington, his first official trip to the White House since Trump took office, was marked by unprecedented tensions. Trump accused Zelensky of lacking gratitude and playing with the prospect of World War III. Negotiations over Ukraine’s mineral resources collapsed, and the scheduled press conference following their meeting was canceled.
The tense discussions in the Oval Office have sparked international reactions, with analysts assessing the broader geopolitical implications of this exchange.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
