NATO Secretary General has delivered a stark caution to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, warning that forcing Ukraine into an unfavorable peace deal could embolden adversaries like China, Iran, and North Korea. Speaking to the Financial Times on Dec. 2, Rutte stated, “If there isn’t a good deal, Xi Jinping might get ideas about Taiwan,” underscoring the global stakes tied to Ukraine’s conflict with Russia.
During a Nov. 23 meeting with Trump in Florida, Rutte emphasized the necessity of sustained U.S. involvement in NATO and continued support for Ukraine. His warning reflects mounting concerns among Western allies that Trump’s previous criticism of NATO and promises to end the war swiftly could signal a retreat from global security commitments.
The NATO chief stressed that allowing Russia and its allies, Iran and North Korea, to claim victory from a weak Ukrainian peace deal would present a grave security threat not just to Europe but to the U.S. as well. Rutte highlighted North Korea’s alleged deployment of soldiers and arms to aid Russian forces, warning that a triumphant Moscow could embolden other regimes hostile to the West.
Trump’s proposed peace strategy has sparked anxiety among allies, particularly following his appointment of Keith Kellogg as a special envoy for Ukraine peace talks. Kellogg has previously suggested freezing the war at current front lines and delaying Ukraine’s NATO ambitions — a proposal that Kyiv has strongly opposed.
Ukrainian officials have urged Trump to maintain a “peace through strength” approach to deter further aggression from Moscow. As NATO ministers meet on Dec. 3-4, Kyiv remains hopeful for progress on its NATO invitation, a critical step in its five-point victory plan. However, reports suggest that achieving consensus on Ukraine’s membership remains an uphill battle.
Rutte’s meeting with Trump underscores the fragile balance of global security, as Western allies anxiously await clarity on U.S. policy under the president-elect. For now, the stakes remain high as the world watches how Trump’s leadership will reshape international efforts to confront Russian aggression and protect democratic values.