NATO Secretary-General, Mark Rutte has criticized Russian President, Vladimir Putin for sending a low-level delegation to the first direct peace talks with Ukraine in three years, calling the move a “big mistake” that undermines the seriousness of Russia’s intentions.
Speaking on the sidelines of a European Political Community (EPC) summit in Tirana, Rutte said Putin’s decision signaled a lack of genuine commitment to ending the war, which has devastated Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022.
“He knows extremely well that the ball is in his court, that he is in trouble,” Rutte told reporters. “He made a big mistake by sending this low-level delegation. He has to be serious about wanting peace.”
The talks in Turkey were initially proposed by Putin, raising hopes for a potential breakthrough. However, optimism faded after he rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s call for a head-of-state meeting. Instead, the Russian delegation is being led by Vladimir Medinsky, a hardline adviser who previously questioned Ukraine’s sovereignty and headed Russia’s failed 2022 negotiation team.
In contrast, Ukraine is represented by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, a native of Crimea, the region illegally annexed by Russia in 2014, along with a team of senior officials.
As the peace talks commenced in Istanbul, European leaders gathered in Albania to express unity behind Ukraine and discuss further pressure measures against Moscow. Zelensky was expected to address the opening session of the EPC, which includes EU members and around 20 other countries.
Rutte’s remarks reflect growing frustration among Western leaders over Russia’s perceived insincerity in pursuing peace, as the war enters its fourth year with no clear resolution in sight.
Written By Rodney Mbua
