President Donald Trump met on Thursday with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, where the two men emphasized the importance of achieving peace in the war between Ukraine and Russia amid an interim ceasefire on Ukraine’s part.
Rutte, who previously served as the Dutch prime minister, thanked President Trump for taking the time to meet with him. He also highlighted the importance of working together to achieve peace in Eastern Europe, describing the future as a potential “success” that would project “American power” worldwide.
President Trump reflected on his time dealing with NATO countries during his first term, where he “was able to raise hundreds of billions” by forcing delinquent members to pay their dues. “The money started pouring in and NATO became much stronger because of my actions,” Trump explained.
Moving onto discussions about the war in Ukraine, the president provided an update about whether Russia was moving toward agreeing to a ceasefire on their part. Right now, a U.S. designation is currently negotiating the terms of a potential agreement.
“They have very serious discussions going on right now with President Putin and others,” Trump remarked.
He reminded the press how horrific the war between Russia and Ukraine had been.
“It’s so horrible,” he said, referring to the reports of death and destruction. “…These are young people with mothers and fathers and brothers and sisters and friends and it’s got to STOP.”
Trump said that “sometime today” the White House should have a good idea of where the negotiations with Russia are headed.
“Hopefully they’ll do the right thing,” he stated.
He added, “We’ve not been working in the dark, we’ve been discussing with Ukraine, land…[and] all the other elements of a final agreement.”
Trump said rights to a power plant are involved in this agreement, along with other properties and areas of the war-torn region.
Trump said he hoped Russia would agree to a ceasefire, but if not, “it will be a very disappointing moment for the world.”
Finally, he said he was open to discussing this situation directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but explained, “we have to get it over with FAST.”
