Rutte firmly stated that the U.S. government is "leading the peace effort" in Ukraine, emphasizing that it is the only nation with the magnitude and power to lead such a significant initiative.
During his address, the Alliance leader praised President Donald Trump's strategy, highlighting his ability to "break the deadlock" in relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Rutte pointed out that the U.S. administration is exerting "all necessary pressure on Russia", which has been crucial in reopening diplomatic channels that were considered blocked. As evidence of this progress, he recalled that just a week ago, an agreement was reached to restore high-level military dialogue between Washington and Moscow, a communication channel that had been inactive for over four years.
Despite past controversies and diplomatic tensions generated by previous statements regarding Greenland —a territory belonging to Denmark, a NATO ally—, Rutte insisted that the organization remains fully united and committed to its common goals. In this regard, he guaranteed that a "strong and conventional U.S. military presence" will be maintained in strategic regions such as Europe, the Arctic, and the Atlantic.
This support for the American presence coincides with the launch of the new military operation named "Arctic Sentry". This initiative aims to enhance security and surveillance in the High North, an area of increasing geopolitical importance. "We are in this together," Rutte concluded, reaffirming transatlantic solidarity as the fundamental pillar of collective defense against current global challenges.