NATO’s Rutte ‘cautiously optimistic’ about Ukraine-Russia talks

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Thursday said he sees opportunities for progress on ending the war in Ukraine, despite Russian President Vladimir Putin missing talks in Istanbul.

“I’m still cautiously optimistic … that you could get to some breakthrough over the next couple of weeks,” Rutte said on the sidelines of a gathering of NATO foreign ministers in the Turkish city of Antalya.

However, Rutte said the talks would only progress if the Russians turned up with a relevant delegation.

“The ball is now clearly in Russia’s court. They have to explain what they are doing, why they are here or not,” Rutte stressed.

“Ukraine is ready to commit to a ceasefire and immediate negotiations. That’s absolutely clear,” he added.