Part 10/12:
Despite ongoing hostilities, Rutte advocates for diplomatic engagement. He supports negotiations between Ukrainian President Zelensky and Putin, asserting that the only way to end the war is for Russia to come to the table. He recalls recent gestures such as President Biden’s outreach and hopes Putin will recognize the brutal costs of war—including unprecedented casualties, economic hardship, and international isolation.
He stresses that Putin's desire is likely rooted in territorial ambitions—particularly the desire to control all of Ukraine and undermine NATO's unity. Therefore, NATO must increase its defenses, continue providing military aid to Ukraine, and maintain strategic unity to deter further Russian aggression.