NATO Chief: “The Ball Is Clearly in Russia’s Court” on Ukraine Peace Talks

The delicate balance of global diplomacy is once again on display, as high-stakes talks aim to halt one of the most devastating conflicts of the decade.

Russia Must Make the Next Move

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte declared Thursday that “the ball is now clearly in Russia’s court” regarding the ongoing negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. Speaking at the informal NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Antalya, Turkey, Rutte stressed Ukraine’s willingness to begin immediate ceasefire discussions, according to Digi24.

President Volodymyr Zelensky had traveled to Turkey, urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet him face to face.

However, the Kremlin sent a delegation led by presidential adviser Vladimir Medinski, along with Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, but not Putin himself.

Turkey’s Pivotal Role and NATO’s Expectations

Rutte praised Turkey’s “unique ability to bring all sides together,” crediting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan for their efforts. He emphasized that the success of talks depends on Russia presenting “a relevant delegation.”

The NATO chief also acknowledged the role of U.S. President Donald Trump in breaking the deadlock and facilitating renewed dialogue.

The ball is clearly in Russia’s court,

Rutte reiterated, while expressing cautious optimism about possible progress within the next two weeks.

Cautious Hope Amid Uncertainty

Despite the presence of lower-level Russian negotiators and the absence of Putin, the talks began with hopes that an end to the war could be negotiated. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the duration of talks would depend on the pace of progress.

I remain a cautious optimist,

Rutte said, adding that NATO allies will continue close coordination with the U.S. as events unfold.

The current negotiations mark the first direct contact since the breakdown of talks in Istanbul in early 2022.