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Ceasefire: NATO optimistic about Ukraine-Russia talks

NATO secretary-general Mark Rutte on Thursday said he was optimistic of an end to the war in Ukraine.

• May 15, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Rutte
Mark Rutte [Photo credit: DW]

NATO secretary-general Mark Rutte on Thursday said he was optimistic of an end to the war in Ukraine.

Mr Rutte said he saw opportunities for progress on ending the war in Ukraine, in spite of Russian President Vladimir Putin missing talks in Istanbul.

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

He, however, 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.

”Ukraine is ready to commit to a ceasefire and immediate negotiations. That’s absolutely clear,’’ Mr Rutte stated.

(dpa/NAN)

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