NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte criticized Russia for sending a low-level delegation to peace talks with Ukraine, calling it a strategic error that undermines the peace process.

At a Glance

• NATO’s Mark Rutte publicly criticized Putin for not taking peace talks seriously by sending a low-ranking delegation
• The first direct Russia-Ukraine peace talks in three years began in Turkey with diminished expectations
• President Trump received praise from Rutte for breaking the deadlock and taking initiative in negotiations
• Putin declined Ukrainian President Zelensky’s request for a presidential-level meeting in Turkey
• Russia’s delegation is led by Putin adviser Vladimir Medinsky while Ukraine sent Defense Minister Rustem Umerov

NATO Chief Demands Putin “Play by the Rules”

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte delivered a pointed message to Russian President Vladimir Putin during a statement in Tirana on May 16, 2025. Speaking at the European Political Community meeting in Albania, Rutte emphasized that Putin must take the peace process seriously and adhere to established diplomatic protocols. The NATO chief specifically criticized Russia’s decision to send a lower-ranking delegation to the talks in Turkey, suggesting this approach undermines potential progress toward resolving the conflict that has raged for over three years.

Rutte directly addressed the imbalance in engagement between the two warring nations, noting Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate while Russia appears reluctant to commit at the highest levels. He stated firmly that responsibility for advancing the peace process now rests with Putin, describing the situation metaphorically: “The ball is now clearly on his side of the field, on his court. He must play ‘by the rules’.”

Trump’s Role in Breaking the Deadlock

Despite criticism of Russia’s approach, Rutte expressed satisfaction with American involvement in facilitating the peace process. The NATO Secretary General specifically highlighted President Trump’s contributions in breaking the previously entrenched positions of both sides. “I am very happy with the role that the US is playing. This is really important. President Trump broke the deadlock. Obviously, he is taking the initiative in all of this, which is extremely helpful,” Rutte stated during his address.

“I am very happy with the role that the US is playing. This is really important. President Trump broke the deadlock. Obviously, he is taking the initiative in all of this, which is extremely helpful.”, said NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte

This recognition of American diplomatic efforts comes at a critical juncture in the conflict. The peace talks in Istanbul represent the first direct negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian officials in three years, initially proposed by Putin himself. However, the talks have generated limited optimism among international observers due to Russia’s apparent reluctance to engage at the highest levels of leadership.

Diminished Expectations After Presidential Meeting Rejected

Hopes for the Istanbul talks dramatically diminished after Putin declined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s call for a presidential-level meeting in Turkey. Instead of attending personally or sending senior government officials, Russia dispatched Vladimir Medinsky, a hawkish adviser to Putin known for his hardline stance. Ukraine’s delegation is headed by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, representing a higher level of government authority than the Russian contingent.

“NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that Putin must take the peace process seriously and start ‘playing by the rules’.”, added Secretary Rutte.

European leaders attending the gathering in Albania were expected to demonstrate support for Zelensky and discuss strategies for increasing pressure on Moscow. The Ukrainian President was scheduled to address the opening session of the European Political Community meeting as the Russia-Ukraine talks began in Turkey, highlighting the international community’s continued backing for Kyiv’s position. This diplomatic maneuvering underscores the complex international dimensions of a conflict now extending well beyond its initial flashpoints.