Crazy how much things have flipped in just a year. Back then, Russia was isolated, Biden was all in for Zelensky, and the war in Ukraine seemed endless. Fast forward, and it’s Zelensky who’s stranded—losing support left and right.
Trump is clashing with Europe, NATO is backing off, and suddenly, there’s a push to wrap up the war. The whole narrative has done a 180. The West that once fueled the chaos is now stepping away, leaving Ukraine in the cold. It’s a brutal reality check for Zelensky, who’s now scrambling to stay relevant. Even NATO, the biggest cheerleader for this war, is losing interest.
Honestly, former NATO chief Stoltenberg must be somewhere shaking his head, realizing that everything he worked for is crumbling. This war is entering a whole new phase, and Ukraine’s future is looking bleak.
NATO Calls for Normalisation
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has suggested that Europe and the U.S. should start normalizing relations with Russia once the Ukraine conflict is over. His statement comes right after his meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, where discussions focused on efforts to secure a ceasefire between Moscow and Kiev.
Trump, known for his more pragmatic approach to Russia, has also expressed interest in restoring economic ties with Moscow. This idea seems to have the support of Russian President Vladimir Putin, signaling that both sides may be open to rebuilding their relationship post-conflict.
Speaking to Bloomberg TV on Friday, Rutte reflected on his past dealings with Putin while serving as the Dutch Prime Minister. Acknowledging Russia’s enduring geopolitical presence, he remarked, “Long-term, Russia is there, Russia will not go away. If the war stops, it’s natural for both Europe and the U.S. to gradually restore normal relations.”
Now, we all must understand that this demand is strikingly different from what the former NATO chief Stoltenberg wanted in an all out war against Russia. Former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg maintained a firm stance against Russia, emphasizing sustained military support for Ukraine to ensure any peace deal is backed by strength. He didn’t want any of the key demands of Russia to be heard. Leading to more escalation whenever the war on frontlines was heated up deliberately by Ukraine.
One of Russia’s key demands in the ongoing peace process has been keeping Ukraine’s NATO membership off the table. Rutte confirmed that, at least for now, this issue is not part of the discussions, aligning with Moscow’s position.
EU and Zelensky May Resist the Plan
However, not all European leaders are on board with easing tensions. While Hungary’s Viktor Orban and Slovakia’s Robert Fico have pushed for dialogue with Russia, most EU leaders continue advocating for a hardline stance.
Some NATO members, such as France, have even floated the idea of deploying troops to Ukraine to monitor a potential truce. Russia has fiercely opposed such proposals, warning that any NATO presence without a UN mandate would be considered a legitimate target.
Meanwhile, Moscow has accused the EU of militarizing against it, pointing to the bloc’s €800 billion ($860 billion) military investment plan. Russia has also criticized NATO’s military buildup near its borders since Crimea’s reunification with Russia in 2014 and the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022.
Trump, who has long criticized NATO’s European members for not meeting defense spending targets, continues to push for changes in the bloc’s approach. With ongoing peace talks, the future of NATO-Russia relations remains uncertain, but the conversation is shifting.