NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte downplayed on Wednesday Russia's rejection of US ceasefire proposals for Ukraine, stating that Moscow's demands should "not be taken too seriously." Russia dismissed the US initiative, arguing it failed to meet its core conditions, which include NATO's withdrawal to its 1997 borders.
Rutte described such demands as part of Russian President Vladimir Putin's negotiation tactics, emphasizing that Western allies must always assess and respond but should not overreact to every statement from Moscow. "This is also how he tries to negotiate," he stressed. While updates on negotiations continue, Rutte underscored that reacting to every claim from Russia would be counterproductive.
He commended US President Donald Trump for securing an initial 30-day ceasefire on energy infrastructure and Black Sea operations, noting ongoing diplomatic efforts for further progress.
