This was discussed during the discussion of the US “peace plan,” the initial version of which, according to media reports, included a clause on the reduction of Ukrainian troops and Ukraine’s renunciation of part of its territories.
“The negotiations have not yet been completed. […] The ultimate goal […] there must be a sovereign Ukraine and a strong nation that Russia will never try to attack again. This is what we are all trying to achieve,” Rutte said.
The journalist asked him whether Ukraine and its NATO allies could trust Putin.
“You know, as prime minister of the Netherlands, I worked with Putin until he invaded Crimea in March 2014. I may have told someone this already: I've given up trying to understand the guy. But I know one thing about Russians in general and Putin in particular. Every time you make an agreement, make sure it's in his best interest to stick to it,” Rutte replied.
According to him, “it is important that when a peace agreement is reached on Ukraine, he never tries to attack Ukraine again.”
“He won't [нападать]if he knows that the consequences for him will be devastating if he tries to invade Ukraine again after a long ceasefire or, even better, a peace agreement,” said the NATO Secretary General.
Rutte stressed that whether the possible consequences will be “devastating” for the Russian Federation depends on the results of the negotiations now.
