Rutte: Russia Must Do More to Bring War in Ukraine to an End

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has expressed skepticism that Russia can dictate terms to the United States regarding a ceasefire in Ukraine, emphasizing instead that Moscow must demonstrate a genuine commitment to ending the war.

In an interview with CBS News on April 6, Rutte commented on recent US-led diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching a ceasefire agreement.

“There is this effort to bring this war to an end. And as part of that effort, the US is really trying to— and at this moment, as we speak, this is Friday. Maybe this has changed on Sunday when you air this, but on Friday, the ball clearly is in the court of the Russians,” Rutte says.

“They are not moving fast enough, is my impression, including the impression I’m getting from my American interlocutors, that Russia really has to do more to bring this war to an end” Rutte stated.

He underscored the need for the war to conclude, noting the human toll and destruction across Ukrainian cities. “‘This war of protection — it was unsustainable in the long term, so many people dying, so much of the Ukrainian infrastructure being damaged, cities being destroyed. This got to end,’ he said.

When asked whether it concerns him that Russia appears to be proposing only a partial ceasefire while the Trump administration advocates for a full cessation of hostilities, Rutte said he was not worried.

He highlighted his ongoing communication with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other American officials, describing their approach as a step-by-step effort to reach an end to the war.

“But of course, the Russians also have to dance the tango, and at this moment they don’t seem to do so, and then it will be difficult,” Rutte said.

Rutte also stated that he is not convinced Russian leader Vladimir Putin is seriously considering an end to the full-scale war. “We don’t know. I think this is the test now, and we have to see — what his reaction will be to the American proposals,” he added.

He further noted that Ukraine’s stance on the ceasefire is closely aligned with the US position. “The Ukrainians are really close to the American position. And we have to see how far the Americans can get this,” he said.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump stated that Washington is in contact with Moscow to halt Russia’s war against Ukraine, urging the Kremlin to stop the ongoing bombing. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said, “We would like them to stop… the bombing goes on and on.”

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