Sybiha discussed with Rutte the peace agreement and Putin’s insidious tactics

Sybiha discussed with Rutte the peace agreement and Putin’s insidious tactics

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized that Russia’s comprehensive invasion of Ukraine is not a regional war but a global conflict. Even after its conclusion, the threat from Russia will remain for many years.

He stated this at a briefing with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha following a meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of foreign ministers in Brussels on April 3. According to him, the meeting specifically discussed the issue of deterring Russia, which means security guarantees for Ukraine.

Rutte is confident that any agreement on a ceasefire or the end of the war must be long-lasting.

"We know that this is primarily important for Ukraine. But the world is watching. This is not a regional war, it’s a global conflict because Russia is collaborating with North Korea, China, Iran, and ultimately, there is an audience that will evaluate the outcome of this war. That’s the General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party Xi Jinping. And he will be observing who comes out on top: Russia or the West. And this will provide him with information for the next steps in the Indo-Pacific region. I have no doubt," – noted the NATO Secretary General.

Even in the event of a ceasefire, Moscow will not cease to be a threat to the security of Europe and the region, he emphasized.

"Here, all 32 countries are focused on how to protect NATO territories from the Russians — our long-term threat, which will continue to exist even after, hopefully, a peace agreement on Ukraine is reached. The threat from Russia will exist for many years," — added Rutte.

Sybiha, for his part, added that Ukraine has already demonstrated its readiness for peace and accepted the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire without any conditions. However, this proposal is still on the table due to Putin’s "demands" and "conditions."

"It’s time to put pressure on Moscow. Now is the time for diplomacy, but also for pressure and deterrence. While media attention is focused on global trade wars, we must not forget that a full-scale war is ongoing in Europe. Russia remains an existential threat to Europe," – emphasized the minister.