Mark Rutte calls Putin's non-participation in Istanbul talks "big mistake"

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called Russian President Vladimir Putin's non-participation in the Istanbul talks with Ukraine "a big mistake."

According to Report, Rutte made the statement to journalists ahead of the European Political Community meeting in Albania.

"Putin made a big mistake by sending a low-level delegation to the talks in Istanbul. He must take the issue of a peaceful settlement of the conflict more seriously," Rutte said.

The secretary general also noted that the Ukrainians made the right decision by agreeing to take part in direct talks. "They sent a delegation that is truly ready to negotiate a ceasefire," he said.

Rutte also praised the mediation efforts of the United States and Türkiye in the Russian-Ukrainian settlement.