Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary-General, emphasized that the responsibility for advancing peace negotiations with Ukraine now lies with Russia, especially following recent criticisms from U.S. President Donald Trump.

He stated that there are existing proposals for a peace agreement and remarked, 'the ball is now in Russia's court,' while also noting that Ukraine must be willing to engage in the process.

During his visit to Washington, Rutte met with U.S. defense officials and advised against pressuring Ukraine into a peace agreement that would favor Russian interests.

Rutte expressed confidence in the U.S. government's commitment to ending the Russian invasion, suggesting that under Trump's leadership, negotiations could reach a positive conclusion.

Poland has condemned the Russian attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv, expressing solidarity with Ukraine and condolences to the families of the victims.

The urgency of the situation was underscored by recent Russian missile and drone strikes on Kyiv, which resulted in 12 deaths and over 90 injuries, prompting Mayor Vitali Klitschko to declare a day of mourning.

He reported that 22 out of 32 NATO countries met the military spending target of 2% of GDP in 2024, ahead of the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague.

Reports indicate that a proposed U.S. ceasefire plan may include concessions to Russia, such as a guarantee that Ukraine will not join NATO and recognition of Russia's annexation of Crimea.

Zelensky also accused Russia of using a missile manufactured in North Korea during these strikes, highlighting the troubling alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang.

Rutte reiterated NATO's consensus that Russia poses a long-term threat to the Euro-Atlantic area, emphasizing the need for a unified response.

In response to the attacks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Moscow for exerting pressure on the U.S. during his press conference in South Africa, which he cut short due to the escalating violence.

Trump condemned the recent Russian attacks, calling them unnecessary and urging Putin to cease hostilities, while acknowledging the severe toll on both soldiers and civilians.