NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said on Thursday that although Russian President Vladimir Putin was absent from talks in Istanbul, he saw a progressive opportunity to end the Ukrainian war.
“I'm still cautiously optimistic … You may make some breakthroughs in the next few weeks,” Rut said at a NATO foreign ministers' gathering in the Turkish city of Antalya.
However, Rut said the talks will only take place if the Russians participate in the relevant delegation.
“The ball is obviously in Russian court now. They have to explain what they are doing and why they are here,” Rut stressed.
He added: “Ukraine is ready to work on a ceasefire and negotiate immediately. It is absolutely obvious.”
