Rutte on Belarus: Its role in the war against Ukraine should not be underestimated
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that we should not be naive about Belarus’s role in Russia’s war against Ukraine. According to him, Minsk is under Moscow’s strong influence, and most of the Belarusian government’s decisions are effectively dictated by the Kremlin.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte made these remarks during a press conference ahead of the Alliance’s summit in Ankara.
Rutte emphasized that he could not disclose details due to the confidential nature of certain information, but stressed that everything happening in Belarus is largely “inspired by Putin.” He also effectively echoed concerns regarding Belarus’s military activity near Ukraine.
Thus, NATO believes that the allies’ primary task now remains the further strengthening of Ukraine. According to Rutte, only a strong position by Kyiv can create the conditions under which Moscow will ultimately be forced to agree to substantive negotiations to end the war. This was reported by the Financial Times.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni accused NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte of misrepresenting the country’s role during the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. The Alliance leader’s statement sparked a political scandal in Italy and drew a wave of criticism from the opposition.
