Dutch PM Mark Rutte asserts that Vladimir Putin has no say in Ukraine’s NATO membership, emphasizing that the decision rests with the alliance, not Russia.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte made a firm declaration regarding Ukraine’s potential membership in NATO, stating that Vladimir Putin will not dictate the alliance’s decisions.
“NATO has made it clear that Russian President Vladimir Putin does not have a veto or a vote in determining who joins the alliance in the future,” Rutte said.
This response comes after reports that Putin had set conditions through former U.S. President Donald Trump for ending the ongoing war in Ukraine.
NATO Membership Tied to Lasting Peace
Rutte emphasized that Ukraine’s NATO membership is contingent on achieving “a sustainable peace.” He added that NATO’s goal is to ensure that Putin can no longer pose a threat to Ukraine’s sovereignty and that Kyiv is in the strongest position possible before peace talks commence.
Increased Defense Spending for NATO’s Future
Rutte also addressed the importance of increased defense contributions from NATO member states.
“Spending 2% of GDP on defense is no longer nearly sufficient,” he warned. “Without greater investments in security, NATO may lose its defensive capabilities within four or five years.”
This aligns with U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent push for NATO allies to dedicate at least 5% of their GDP to defense spending.
Strengthening NATO’s Unity and Resolve
Rutte reiterated the alliance’s commitment to maintaining unity and its principle of collective defense, while underscoring the importance of standing firm against Russian aggression.
This statement underscores NATO’s resolve to support Ukraine and ensure the alliance’s long-term readiness to counter potential threats, as debates over defense spending and expansion continue.
