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Mark Rutte: The war in Ukraine will likely end through a negotiated agreement

Cristiana Dida

6 November 2026, 12:41

International

Mark Rutte / foto: shutterstock.com

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NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte estimates that the war between Russia and Ukraine will most likely end through a negotiated agreement, rather than a clear victory for either side. However, the official warns that Moscow will retain a large army after the fighting ends, and that Russia could continue to pose a threat to European countries.

Rutte said that such conflicts generally end through compromise and stressed that the United States remains indispensable to Europe’s defense. He noted that he speaks weekly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and that Washington is currently the only country capable of providing certain military capabilities needed by Ukraine.

The statements were made in the context of U.S. efforts to revive negotiations. Technical talks between Ukraine and Russia are scheduled for November 10 and 11 in Abu Dhabi, with U.S. mediation. Zelenskyy is seeking security guarantees for the post-war period and more interceptor missiles for Patriot systems.

Rutte also mentioned the importance of cooperation between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, without commenting on the agreement concerning imports of Russian diesel fuel. Meanwhile, the arrangement is facing difficulties because of sanctions and legal risks.

Context: NATO has emphasized protecting energy infrastructure and supporting Ukraine’s air defense following tensions over Starlink and attacks on energy facilities

Before discussions about the end of the war, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met in Brussels with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the war in Ukraine and, in particular, the need for an “energy ceasefire” concerning energy infrastructure. Rutte said that implementing such an agreement is important and emphasized support for Kyiv through the PURL mechanism, which allows the purchase of American weapons (including Patriot interceptor missiles) with European funding.

Also in this context, Rutte urged NATO allies to “do more” for Ukraine’s air defense after Ukrainian authorities accused SpaceX/Elon Musk of limiting access to some Starlink services used by the Ukrainian army. The statements came amid an intensification of Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, which resulted in the deaths of seven people and left approximately 600,000 people without electricity.