NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has accused Moscow of delaying efforts to end the war in Ukraine, calling on Russia to demonstrate a genuine willingness to negotiate. Speaking in an interview with CBS News, Rutte stressed that the United States is making real efforts to reach a ceasefire — but added that progress now largely depends on the Kremlin.
“I believe Russia isn’t moving fast enough,” Rutte said. “This is something I hear from my American counterparts as well — that Russia needs to do more to help bring this war to an end.”
While affirming that NATO and the U.S. remain fully committed to finding a lasting and just solution, Rutte dismissed the idea that Washington is allowing Moscow to dictate the terms of peace. “I’ve spoken with Marco Rubio and regularly speak with others in the U.S. administration. I think they’re genuinely trying, step by step, to reach a point where this war can finally stop,” he said.
However, he warned that ceasefire efforts might take longer than hoped: “Both sides need to be part of this process — it takes two to tango. Right now, it doesn’t look like Russia is dancing.”
Rutte also expressed concern about recent developments on the battlefield, noting that the front line has shifted in the wrong direction. He questioned whether Russian President Vladimir Putin has any true intention to end the invasion.
“We don’t know,” he said. “I think this is a test, and we’ll have to see how he responds to the latest American proposals.”
Rutte concluded by voicing support for U.S. efforts to probe Moscow’s readiness to compromise. “The fact that President Trump is trying, testing how serious the Russians are — in the coming weeks, we’ll see how far he can take it. And I support him in that.”
