Dutch foreign minister Mark Rutte told the U.S. Senate that only President Trump can bring about a lasting peace in Ukraine, highlighting a strengthened NATO under Trump’s leadership.
Renewed NATO under Trump’s Leadership
Mark Rutte thanked U.S. senators for their “unwavering support for NATO” and noted that since Donald Trump’s re‑election the Alliance is undergoing a process of “renewal and strengthening.” He said the decision to raise defense spending to 5 % of GDP, initiated by Trump, has aligned the efforts of Europe and Canada with those of the United States.
Rutte added that under Trump’s leadership, military support for Ukraine has increased and that U.S. arms shipments, already totalling billions of dollars, will be financed by allies. He stressed that Europeans are also working to guarantee Ukraine’s security following a long‑term cease‑fire and peace agreement, with hopes that this will happen as soon as possible, especially after the gains achieved in the Gaza Strip.
Vision for Ending the War
The NATO Secretary‑General strongly defended Trump’s policy toward Ukraine, saying, “I have full confidence in President Trump. He is the only one who can bring the war to an end.” He added that Trump possesses the experience, vision, and determination needed to secure lasting peace and that he is committed to ending the bloodshed.
Rutte refuted claims that Trump’s last meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky had failed, describing the talks as “good and constructive” and crediting the U.S. president with breaking the deadlock in relations with Russia.
Trump Shown to Achieve Peace
Rutte cited Trump’s actions in the Israeli‑Palestinian conflict, stating that the U.S. brokered an extraordinary diplomatic success in Gaza. “Only he could achieve that,” he said, noting that Trump leveraged his country’s power and leadership to reach an agreement.
The NATO Secretary‑General said he will work with Trump to provide the tools needed to realize Trump’s vision of peace in Ukraine, while not ruling out future talks between Trump and Presidents Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky. He added that the process would not conclude tomorrow, but he is convinced the vision will be realized.
