NATO Chief Rutte Dismisses Russian Overtures: 'I No Longer Respond to Anything from Lavrov'

NATO Secretary General Visits Kyiv

According to Главком: During a visit to Kyiv, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte outlined his stance on Russia's calls for peace and the ongoing efforts to secure Ukraine's future. Rutte stated he has 'stopped responding to anything that comes from Lavrov,' referring to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. He made this declaration in a speech at the opening of the 15th session of the Verkhovna Rada on February 3.

While in Ukraine, Rutte also met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and visited the village of Yahidne in the Chernihiv region. In 2022, Russian forces held 367 local residents captive for nearly a month in a school there. Rutte emphasized that NATO's support for Ukraine, including military equipment, training, and air defense provisions, remains steadfast. This visit underscores the Alliance's commitment as the war approaches its third year.

NATO's Stance on Peace and Security

The NATO chief stressed the importance of planning for Ukraine's post-war recovery and a territorial settlement. He insisted that any future peace negotiations must not result in an agreement resembling the failed Minsk or Budapest accords.

'Fundamentally, what we are doing under American leadership is uniting Ukrainians, Russians, the United States, coordinating very clearly and closely with allies to ensure the war is brought to an end.' Mark Rutte

In conclusion, Rutte highlighted the necessity of a security agreement with guarantees so robust that Russian President Vladimir Putin would 'never dare attack your beautiful country again.' His remarks reflect a Western consensus that any durable peace must be built on Ukraine's strengthened security, not on concessions to Russian aggression.