NATO Chief Rutte Flies to Washington for Talks Amid Stalled Russia-Ukraine Negotiations

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is making an unplanned, urgent trip to Washington, D.C. to meet with President Donald Trump following Trump's recent diplomatic moves regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This visit comes shortly after Trump's tough meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the abrupt cancellation of a planned Trump-Putin summit in Budapest aimed at brokering a ceasefire. Rutte's trip signals European concerns over Trump's shifting stance, which has appeared to align more closely with Russian President Vladimir Putin's position on ending the war. While details of the discussions remain undisclosed, Rutte is also set to meet with members of the U.S. Congress to discuss NATO's military support to Ukraine. The NATO alliance, which includes 32 member states, continues to emphasize the security of the North Atlantic area amid the ongoing conflict. No media communication is scheduled following Rutte's meetings, highlighting the sensitive nature of the ongoing negotiations and diplomatic efforts.