In an interview with Fox News, Rutte said that any agreement reached must be suitable for Ukraine, and set a precedent for countries that have similar goals to Russia.
Rutte pointed out that “the whole world will be watching what kind of agreement will be reached between… Russia And Ukraine,” adding: “We must make sure that Ukraine “In a stronger position than they are at the moment, so that an agreement can be reached that is not in the interests of the Russians – and therefore China, North Korea and Iran, because they will all be watching.”
Rutte stressed the need for Ukraine to be in a “position of strength” before the talks begin, saying: “At this moment they are really on the defensive.”
Rutte expressed his confidence in his ability and the management of the US President-elect Donald Trump To persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate.
Rutte ruled out the possibility of deploying NATO forces in the region, saying: “We do not want to enter into a direct confrontation with Russia.”
He added: “What we have to do is make sure that the Ukrainians are able to move forward in this fight, and make sure that they are in a position of strength whenever the time comes for talks, and that means that we have to provide them with the weapons they need to do that.”
