During the Paris summit of the “voluntary coalition” aimed at agreeing further safety guarantees for Ukraine, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte made 1 of the strongest speeches since the beginning of his word of office. His words were a direct consequence to suggestions that Russia may have the right to argue the presence of Western peacekeeping forces in Ukraine's territory under the future peace agreement.
“Russia should not decide”
Rutte left no uncertainty who had the decisive vote:
"Why should we even ask what Russia thinks about deploying troops in Ukraine? It's a sovereign state. It is not Russia that has something to say.”
He explained that it is only Ukraine that can decide whether it agrees to the presence of abroad forces in its territory, for example as part of the future safety warrant mechanism:
“Russia has nothing to do with this. Ukraine is simply a sovereign state. If Ukraine wants safety forces to enter it as part of a peace agreement, it is her concern. No 1 else can decide that.”
“We gotta halt making Putin all-powerful”
In 1 of the more amazing moments, Rutte referred straight to the function the West attributes to Vladimir Putin, informing against unnecessary demonizing the president of Russia:
“We must halt making Putin seem more powerful than he is in reality.”
However, that message does not mean disregarding the danger. Rutte pointed out that Russia, regardless of its military or economical condition, remains a destabilizing force and NATO must treat it as a permanent threat.
A broader context: Why these words matter
Rutte's statements fall at the minute of increasing tensions around Ukraine and the decline of the unequivocal commitment of any western states, especially the US, where pre-election games continue. In Paris, there were countries that did not want to wait — including France, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands and the Baltic States. The wording of the "coalition of the willing" means that any countries want to jointly prepare a mechanics for long-term safety guarantees for Ukraine, regardless of the result of the US elections. It is both military support and the ability to deploy stabilization forces to defend Ukraine after the war has ended.
Rutte powerfully supported this thought and suggested that Russia would not influence its implementation.
“The threat will not end”
NATO Secretary-General warned that Russia's threat would not end with the war in Ukraine:
“This threat will not end with the end of this war. It is not only Russia — China, Iran and North Korea are besides challenging as they cooperate militarily. They're preparing for a long run. We must be ready.”
This is an crucial informing to Europe: NATO cannot afford to rest. It is not only about supporting Ukraine, but besides about its own safety — Poland, the Baltic States, Romania and Finland.
Reactions and consequences
Although no authoritative statements by Polish representatives in consequence to Rutte's words were received that day, the message from Paris was widely commented in the countries of Central Europe. safety experts and analysts indicate that NATO's secretary-general's words are a political "belt buckle" — a final break with the line "let's not irritate Russia".
Rutte did not talk about escalation, but about realistic preparation for a planet where Russia remains aggressive and unpredictable. For Poland this confirms the request to proceed the policy of strengthening the army and pushing for an increased presence of allied forces on the east flank of NATO. The Paris summit has not yet brought concrete details in the form of a fresh pact or declaration, but it has been a symbolic breakthrough. Rutte’s words signal that NATO — at least in the leadership layer — matured into an open name.
There is no longer any mention of “anxiousness”, “situation” or “discussion about the presence of troops”. There are words of responsibility, readiness and full sovereignty of Ukraine — even if this means openly opposing Moscow’s position.
