NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised U.S. President Donald Trump for playing a key role in breaking a diplomatic deadlock with Russia, noting that Trump’s initiative to open dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin was “crucial.”

Speaking to reporters, Rutte emphasized that the move set the stage for renewed discussions between NATO and Moscow during a time of heightened global tensions. “President Trump basically broke the deadlock… starting the dialogue with Putin, I think that was crucial,” Rutte said.

The remarks come amid ongoing debates among NATO members about balancing deterrence and diplomacy in relations with Russia, especially as the war in Ukraine continues to reshape European security dynamics.