NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte says that the United States remains central to Ukraine’s defense, providing “critical intelligence support and weapons flow” in coordination with European allies.
In an interview with CBS News, Rutte defended US President Donald Trump’s approach to the war in Ukraine, claiming the White House is balancing multiple interests while continuing to pressure Russia toward a deal.
CBS host Margaret Brennan reminded Rutte that Trump had recently criticized Europe for supposedly benefiting from Washington’s support for Ukraine while not backing the US war against Iran.
“The US is providing critical intelligence support and weapons flow, working together with Europeans to secure Ukraine’s fight against the Russians, making sure they have what they need,” Rutte said, while acknowledging frustration in Washington over allied contributions in other areas, including the Middle East.
Rutte also addressed concerns over recent Trump policy decisions toward Russia, including the easing of sanctions on Russian oil exports – a move European officials warn would undermine regional security.
Brennan said that the decision, aimed at curbing rising oil prices in the US, could funnel billions of dollars to Moscow. While the Trump administration’s Treasury Department estimates suggest around $2 billion in additional revenue for Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has put the figure closer to $10 billion, raising questions about whether the policy ultimately benefits the Kremlin.
Rutte avoided direct criticism, saying that Trump must “balance all these different interests,” including domestic economic pressures, which will directly influence the upcoming mid-term elections, and broader geopolitical considerations.
Rutte said that Washington continues to work closely with Kyiv to push for an end to the war. Trump’s team, including senior officials, is “constantly working with the Ukrainians to put maximum pressure on the Russians to come to a deal,” he said.
When pressed on whether such steps amount to sufficient pressure, Rutte pointed to ongoing diplomatic engagement.
He said he had recently spoken at length with Zelensky, who “wants to get the deal done,” adding that efforts must also be directed at Moscow “to make sure that they are willing to play ball.”
Rutte claimed that ending the war remains a priority, describing Trump’s role as “crucial” in breaking diplomatic deadlock with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and maintaining pressure on both sides to move toward a settlement.
“He [Trump] has consistently, with his team, done what is necessary to put that pressure, of course, on the Ukrainians, and they want to play ball. They show this. They want to end the war, and are also with the Russians,” NATO Secretary General added.
Prior to that, Trump said he is “disappointed” with NATO and suggested his administration could reconsider its role in the alliance, including a possible withdrawal, which would require the highly unlikely support of the US Senate.
Trump exaggerated and then criticized the scale of US spending, saying America has spent “many trillions of dollars” while not always receiving sufficient support. “When they don’t help us, it’s something we should think about,” he said, adding he believes he could make such decisions without Congress – which is not constitutionally accurate – though he said he would likely consult lawmakers.
Trump also voiced frustration over Ukraine, saying he is “not exactly thrilled” with US support and claiming Kyiv would not have withstood Russia’s invasion without American aid. “Ukraine would have been over in one day if we didn’t help,” he said.
According to Reuters, Trump also criticized NATO allies for refusing to provide military assistance related to the war he started with Israel against Iran, calling their stance a “very foolish mistake,” though he added he has “nothing currently in mind” in terms of retaliation.