**NATO Chief to Warn US Against Imposing Peace Deal on Ukraine**
In a move that could further escalate tensions between the United States and Europe, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is expected to visit Washington on April 24 to urge the U.S. not to pressure Ukraine into accepting a peace agreement that favors Moscow.
According to the Financial Times (FT), which cited three officials briefed on the trip, Rutte will meet with top U.S. officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. His message is expected to focus on the risks of brokering a deal that disregards Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the broader threat such a move would pose to European security.
Rutte will reportedly emphasize that any settlement imposed on Kyiv – especially one aligning with Kremlin demands – would only embolden Russian aggression and further destabilize the region. This comes as Ukraine faces mounting pressure to respond to a controversial U.S. peace proposal reportedly presented in Paris on April 17, which includes U.S. recognition of Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and a ban on Ukraine joining NATO.
**Ukraine Rejects Territorial Concessions**
The proposal has been met with widespread criticism from European leaders, including former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who condemned the plan as a reward for Russian aggression. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has categorically rejected any settlement involving territorial concessions, saying “This violates our Constitution. This is our territory, the territory of the people of Ukraine.”
The visit comes amid rising tensions between the United States and Russia, with U.S. President Donald Trump denying that Ukraine is being forced to accept the Crimea clause. However, he has criticized Zelensky’s refusal to consider the issue as “harmful to the peace negotiations.”
**Deadly Missile Strikes on Kyiv**
Just days before Rutte’s visit, Russia launched deadly missile strikes on Kyiv, killing at least 12 civilians and injuring 90. Trump responded by saying he was “not happy” with the attack, calling it “not necessary” and poorly timed, but stopped short of issuing a condemnation or threatening consequences.
**NATO’s Defense Posture**
Rutte is also expected to discuss NATO’s long-term defense posture in Europe, including transferring more of the alliance’s military burden from the U.S. to European forces. This comes as Ukraine has already accepted a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire first introduced on March 11, but Russia has so far refused to agree, continuing offensive operations across Ukraine’s front lines.
The visit is expected to be closely watched by international leaders, with implications for the future of European security and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
