Kathrine Frich
It was a direct message aimed at countering Putin’s repeated warnings.
It was a direct message aimed at countering Putin’s repeated warnings.
Rutte Challenges Russia’s Authority
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte made a blunt statement during a security conference in Prague.
He insisted that Moscow has no right to dictate whether Western troops can or cannot be sent to Ukraine.
“Why should we care what Russia thinks about the troops in Ukraine? (…) They are not the ones who decide,” he said.
Russia Warns Against Foreign Intervention
On the same day, Moscow doubled down on its opposition.
The Kremlin declared it would refuse to discuss any “foreign intervention” in Ukraine, “regardless of its form.”
This shows Russia’s continued attempt to set limits on how the West supports Kyiv in the war.
Europe Considers Sending Troops
Some European nations have openly signaled readiness to send troops to Ukraine.
The idea would not be for combat purposes during the fighting, but as part of a future settlement.
Such a move would demonstrate Europe’s commitment to Ukraine’s security beyond weapons and aid.
A Security Conference in Prague
Rutte’s strong comments came during a gathering in Prague focused on European defense.
His statement reflects NATO’s position that Russia cannot hold veto power over the decisions of Ukraine’s allies.
It was a direct message aimed at countering Putin’s repeated warnings.
Paris Meeting of the Coalition of the Willing
Later in the day, Rutte was scheduled to join a videoconference with the “Coalition of the Willing.”
This group includes 31 countries, mostly European, who are prepared to guarantee Ukraine’s safety once fighting ends.
France and the United Kingdom are leading the talks.
France and the UK Take the Lead
Paris and London are co-chairing the coalition’s meeting.
Their leadership shows that European powers are ready to step up, even as the US position remains uncertain.
Together, they aim to build a credible security framework for Ukraine.
A Message to Donald Trump
One of the coalition’s goals is to send a clear signal to Washington.
Ukraine’s allies want to show US President Donald Trump that Europe is ready to provide security guarantees to Kyiv.
The effort comes amid fears that Trump may put pressure on Ukraine to accept concessions to Moscow.
Security Guarantees Beyond the War
The coalition envisions guarantees that extend beyond immediate military aid.
This includes the possible deployment of troops in Ukraine after the conflict, ensuring that Russia cannot simply restart the war.
For Kyiv, such measures could be essential to any long-term peace.
