365bet�����������籭

ISTANBUL

The chief of NATO on Thursday praised Türkiye’s unique diplomatic leverage in Thursday's Ukraine-Russia peace talks in Istanbul, and urged unity within the alliance amid lingering disputes.

"Türkiye plays a big role here because Türkiye has good relations with all relevant partners and is seen as a serious venue," Secretary-General Mark Rutte told reporters while arriving for a gathering of NATO foreign ministers in Antalya, southern Türkiye.

While Ukraine has signaled readiness, Rutte emphasized that Türkiye’s power to convene both sides and credibility make it central to any future talks.

"You have the people -- your foreign minister, your president -- to help to bring these talks to a good end," he said.

Ukraine, arms cooperation, and industrial capacity are expected to top the agenda at the Antalya foreign ministers meeting.

Yet Rutte warned that progress depends on Moscow, saying: "That can only happen if the Russians show up with a relevant delegation."

According to Rutte, Russia has so far only named a "lower-level delegation" for the discussions in Türkiye, while Ukraine has signaled readiness to agree to a ceasefire and negotiate over “the next steps."

Thanking Türkiye for hosting the meeting, Rutte stated that they will discuss many issues such as the NATO summit set for June, the "Russian threat,” the "construction of the Chinese army" and terrorism.

Optimism, but conditions apply

Rutte expressed cautious optimism about possible breakthroughs in peace efforts.

"Making sure that we collectively will do what it takes to make sure that Ukraine can prevail and that we can collectively help Ukraine to bring this war to a lasting and durable peace."

Rutte highlighted that Ukraine is ready to begin negotiations and credited US President Donald Trump for helping to break the impasse.

"I'm sure that we all understand that the ball is in their court. Ukraine is wanting to start the negotiations as soon as possible. And, as I said before, it is thanks to the Americans and President Trump that the deadlock has been broken."

He urged Russia to take meaningful steps: "It’s now up to the Russians to make sure they take the next steps necessary."

NATO arms policy and Eurofighter dispute

On the issue of Germany withholding the delivery of Eurofighters to Türkiye, Rutte addressed the broader implications for alliance unity:

"Generally speaking, we as NATO encourage allies not to have restrictions on arms sales between allies."

While declining to comment directly on the German decision, he referred to recent statements by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, suggesting that policy shifts might be under consideration.

Rutte said that no announcement has yet been made about the participation of partners outside the alliance in the NATO summit.

Much more needs to be done in terms of defense spending, Rutte noted.

He said many countries are expected to reach the 2% defense spending target before the NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands, in June, stressing that eight NATO members have not yet met this goal.

Defense industry and 'defense dividend'

Rutte praised Türkiye’s growing defense industrial base and emphasized the importance of removing trade barriers among NATO members.

"Türkiye has a very impressive defense industrial base. It's already closely working in conjunction with companies all over Europe and in the United States and Canada."

"There is so much more money floating around in the next 10 years when it comes to defense industrial production. ... When it comes to the defense dividend, all countries can have their positive outcomes from this. But then let’s have no barriers," he added.

Rutte concluded by reiterating his trust in the current US role in steering the Russia-Ukraine peace talks: "I'm not going to give any advice to the Americans. Why not? Because it was President Trump who broke the deadlock. I have full confidence in how he and his team are steering this."