NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte arrived in Berlin on Thursday, December 11, 2025, to present some detailed reflections on the future of the alliance at a Munich Security Conference (MSC) event.
Rutte spoke, among other things, about the role of European states, which would have to take on more responsibility in view of the increasing unpredictability of the USA.
The new United States National Security Strategy is causing concern in Europe: the document describes the European Union as weak and affected by migration problems and no longer a strategic partner.
During a visit to Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), Rutte tried to convey calm and pointed out that the text also stated that the United States remains committed to Europe and its security: “The United States remains true to its commitment to NATO,” assured Rutte.
But is now the time for deep reflection? Probably not. These days are crucial for the fate of Ukraine attacked by Russia. Will the US, which has been Europe’s protecting power for decades, abandon Ukraine? And thus also to the countries of the European Union? Merz made it clear: “Nothing is the same anymore. We are in a different world and we live in a different time. And this new time requires different answers than those of the past.”
Europe wants a ceasefire and security guarantees
Different times, different answers. Today this is called crisis management. Can Europe, can the European NATO states cushion the toughest demands that the US peace plan places on Ukraine?
Merz reiterated the points he considers fundamental for Europe: “We want a ceasefire in Ukraine that ends this terrible war after almost four years. This ceasefire must be supported by solid, legal and material guarantees.”
Guarantees from NATO, the European Union, but also the USA: “A negotiated solution must protect European security interests. It must not be at the expense of the European Union or NATO,” said Merz.
Zelensky is ready for elections in Ukraine
The question is whether Merz and Rutte, along with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, will be able to enforce these conditions. The original 28-point plan, pushed by the United States, was so close to the interests of the Russian aggressor that rumors circulated that the text had been drawn up in Moscow.
Now this project appears to have been put on hold. What Trump has been doing lately is demanding that Zelensky quickly call elections to cement his legitimacy. In the middle of the war, Zelensky agreed. He has little choice. Meanwhile, Ukraine has already presented its own plan to the US.
Next meeting in Berlin with Starmer and Macron
While Merz and Rutte spoke, contradictory information circulated in Berlin about what the coming days would bring. There is talk of a meeting next Monday, December 15th, in the German capital, where Chancellor Starmer and Macron will be received.
Will envoys from the USA also take part? Merz said that all parties would “review the plans” again at the weekend. These plans also include areas in eastern Ukraine that would have to be ceded to Russia to end the war. Even these cessions of territory would be unreasonable for the attacked country. But apparently they are difficult to avoid.
Rutte warns of new attacks from Russia
Later, at an event at the Munich Security Conference in Berlin, Rutte issued a strong warning: Russian President Vladimir Putin will not stop after the attack on Ukraine. “We are Russia’s next target. And we have already suffered damage,” said Rutte, referring to NATO’s European partners.
According to the organization’s Secretary General, Russia attacks infrastructure in the West almost every day, divides societies through disinformation and sows fear and terror with drone attacks. “But too many of us still don’t see the urgency. Too many believe that time is still in our favor. And that’s not the case.”
Conceptually, according to Rutte, the NATO states would have long since entered into a kind of state of war and should have taken decisive action in order to be able to defend themselves as quickly as possible. But for now there is only one person who can stop Putin: US President Donald Trump. And the Europeans will have to try again to win him over to their side, as they have done so many times before. In the coming days we will find out whether they can do it.
(md/ms)
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