NATO secretary general identifies two most effective ways to pressure Russia if talks drag on
Mark Rutte said that, should negotiations prove fruitless, the best way to compel the Kremlin to compromise is continued military assistance to Ukraine and sustained sanctions pressure.
By Oleg Bazylewicz
December 3, 2025 · 1 min read
Rutte: if negotiations do not produce results, pressure must increase
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that if peace talks to end Russia’s war against Ukraine are prolonged or fail, the Alliance and its partners must strengthen support for Kyiv and increase economic pressure on Russia.
A journalist asked how Russia can be forced to compromise, given its refusal to make concessions in the negotiation process.
The peace process continues, but pressure is needed
Rutte recalled that talks are taking place at different levels: between Ukraine and the US — in Geneva and Miami, and also between the US and Russia — in Moscow.
He expressed hope that diplomatic efforts will yield results, but stressed that allies must be ready to act if the process drags on.
«If it takes too long or does not lead to results, the best way to pressure the Russians is twofold. First — to ensure that the flow of weapons to Ukraine continues,»
– said Rutte.
Military assistance as the main factor of influence
The NATO chief noted that the US, European countries and Canada together provide Ukraine with the necessary weaponry. Some American equipment was paid for by Canada and European partners, and there is also a substantial number of bilateral military support programmes.
Sanctions «bite» Russia
The second key instrument of pressure on Moscow, Rutte said, are economic sanctions, which, he added, remain effective and tangible for the Russian economy.
«The US and Europe are working together so that sanctions have the maximum impact on the Russian economy. This is the best way to change Putin’s calculations,»
– he emphasized.
NATO wants the war to end, but is betting on realistic pressure
Rutte said the Alliance hopes for a swift end to the Russo‑Ukrainian war. He quoted US President Donald Trump, who said that «the meat grinder must stop», and agreed with that statement.
