NATO is not currently discussing the restoration of direct dialogue with Russia, though the alliance remains prepared to support initiatives taken by the European Union in this direction.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte made these remarks during a press conference following a meeting of the alliance's defense ministers.
Rutte clarified that the issue of reopening communication channels with Moscow is not currently being deliberated within the NATO framework but is primarily being discussed within the European Union. "These are not discussions taking place within NATO's political efforts; they are currently happening within the EU. Of course, we are monitoring these discussions and will support them as much as we can," Rutte stated.
The NATO Secretary General added that as Russia's war against Ukraine enters its fifth year, maintaining support for Kyiv remains the alliance's primary priority. He noted that Ukraine has demonstrated that the Russian military machine is not invincible and that the situation on the battlefield remains dynamic.
Rutte emphasized that continued international support is essential to preserve the gains made thus far and to strengthen Ukraine's defensive capabilities. NATO, established in 1949, operates on the principle of collective defense, and its current stance reflects a unified approach to the ongoing security challenges in Eastern Europe.
