NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte issued one of his strongest endorsements yet of Washington’s diplomatic push to end the war in Ukraine, declaring on Tuesday that he is “convinced” the United States can ultimately restore peace in Europe. His remarks come at a pivotal moment, as senior American envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff arrive in Moscow for high-level negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Rutte’s unusually direct praise underscores the geopolitical weight behind the new U.S.-led effort — an initiative that is already reshaping Western expectations and stirring cautious optimism inside NATO.
“I Am Convinced This Effort Will Restore Peace”
Speaking ahead of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels, Rutte offered a clear message:
“We are all working to end Russia’s war against Ukraine and to achieve a just and lasting peace. We welcome the continued efforts of the United States to deliver this goal. I am convinced that this sustained engagement will eventually restore peace in Europe.”
Rutte’s confidence reflects a growing belief among key allies that the White House’s diplomatic offensive may be the best chance in months to narrow the enormous gap between Kyiv and Moscow. The talks, led by presidential envoys Kushner and Witkoff, mark the most direct U.S. engagement with Putin since the latest round of escalation began.
U.S. Envoys Begin High-Risk Diplomacy in Moscow
Kushner and Witkoff landed in Moscow on Tuesday for what officials describe as “critical, high-stakes discussions” with the Kremlin. Their mission: test whether Putin is serious about exploring a peace framework — and determine how far each side is willing to bend.
For the Biden administration, these talks are part of a renewed diplomatic push that has accompanied stepped-up military support for Ukraine. For Moscow, they represent an opportunity to present itself as open to negotiation while continuing operations on the battlefield.
NATO Foreign Ministers Focus on Ukraine’s Future
The NATO meeting this week is expected to revolve heavily around Ukraine: military aid, long-term deterrence, and the viability of a political settlement.
On the agenda:
- Support for Kyiv entering winter
- Security guarantees for Ukraine
- Coordination of diplomatic efforts among allies
- A working lunch of the NATO-Ukraine Council, attended by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas
With U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio absent due to ongoing engagements, Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau will represent Washington.
A Moment of Fragile Hope — and Enormous Stakes
Rutte’s remarks signal that NATO’s leadership sees momentum in Washington’s initiative — even if caution remains high. The road to peace is uncertain, and Moscow has offered few signs that it intends to end the war on terms acceptable to Kyiv or the West.
Still, Rutte argues that sustained engagement from the U.S. remains the linchpin:
“Only persistent effort, unity, and resolve can bring this war to an end.”
As Kushner and Witkoff sit down with Putin, the world watches closely. The outcome could determine whether Europe moves toward de-escalation — or braces for another year of grinding conflict.