NATO Chief: Ukraine Not Ready for Peace Talks

NATO chief Mark Rutte has stated that Ukraine is not currently in a strong enough position to begin peace talks with Russia, emphasizing the need for the country to gain strength before negotiations can take place. He expressed concerns that without adequate support, any agreement might embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin and could compromise Ukraine's future security. As the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump approaches, there are fears regarding the potential decrease in American support for Ukraine, which could lead to painful concessions. Rutte highlighted the necessity for Europe to significantly increase its defense spending, citing the insufficient 2% GDP threshold currently established. He reiterated that true peace can only be achieved if Ukraine enters negotiations from a position of strength, requiring continued military aid and resources. The situation remains tense on the eastern front as Russian forces intensify their attacks around Pokrovsk.