Doorstep statement

Good morning, 

It is good to be here! We have lots on our plate today. Of course I am a guest here with the Defense Ministers. But it's good to be here because we have to discuss, of course, the current threats facing NATO and therefore also EU territory and the wider NATO territory. 

That is, of course, the ongoing threat of Russia, the build-up in China, the military build-up, but also terrorism. So that means we will, no doubt, discuss today, ramping up defence spending, ramping up defence production, but also what we collectively need to do to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs to bring this war to a lasting and durable end. Be it a cease fire, a long term cease fire, or a peace deal, but it means the ongoing support for Ukraine will, no doubt, also be on the agenda today.

Journalist: Inaudible

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte: Again, please.

Journalist: Inaudible

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte: Let me first of all say that I'm really glad that President Trump takes this leadership role. He basically broke the deadlock from day one when he entered into office in January, and I really want to commend him for that. And I do not want to give a running commentary on every development every day. But clearly the American administration is very much involved, closely coordinating with European colleagues, and at the end, of course, Ukraine. And I think that is very positive.

Journalist: Do you see any real progress?

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte: Well, clearly till January there were no discussions with the Russians. I think the positive thing is that President Trump has started also to open up lines of communication with the Russian president. And of course, you hope for results as soon as possible. But that is not always possible in real life, because this is a complex conflict. So again, I think what the Americans are doing is very important. It is crucial that they consult with the Europeans, with Ukraine. And we have to take this step by step, and let's see what happens this week and next week.

Journalist: [inaudible]

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte: Of course, the PKK announcing its disbandment, I think is an is an important announcement. I visited President Erdogan last week. We both agreed that this is an opportunity. And of course, we closely follow the now-starting talks between all the various factions involved.

Journalist: Is it time to increase the pressure on Russia. You have dealt with President Putin over the years, you know what he is like. Just as the German Defence Minister said, he's playing for time. Is it time to step up the pressure again?

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte: Let's be thankful for the fact that the Americans are now taking this position, this leadership role. And I don't think it helps if I from NATO [am] giving this running commentary on every step in the process. But I think it's a good sign that that phone call took place last night. It is good and positive that the American President immediately followed up with a phone call with the Ukrainian President and European leaders, including the president of European Commission, and let's take it from there.

Thank you so much.