NATO Secretary Rutte: Russia Still ‘Main Threat’ as Trump Prepares Alaska Meeting With Putin

The Big Picture

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Russia remains the alliance’s “main threat” and framed President Donald Trump’s planned meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Aug. 15 as a necessary test of Moscow’s intentions. Rutte spoke on CBS News’ Face the Nation, crediting recent steps to restart dialogue and accelerate military support for Ukraine while underscoring that Kyiv must be at the table for any substantive negotiations.

Rutte said Trump “broke the deadlock” earlier this year by opening a channel to Putin and pointed to a “united NATO” after a summit that, in his words, sent a clear signal of resolve to Moscow.

What’s New

Friday’s Alaska session is not intended to finalize a peace deal, Rutte said; it will probe whether Putin is serious about talks that would later involve Ukraine, the United States, and European partners. He emphasized that any discussion of territory must move in tandem with credible security guarantees for Kyiv.

Rutte added that NATO-coordinated lethal aid—funded by European nations and Canada—will continue regardless of what happens in Alaska, with more packages expected in the coming days.

What They’re Saying

Asked about public comments hinting at “swapping of territories,” Rutte said any factual Russian control over parts of Ukraine cannot be accepted in a legal sense. He noted the Cold War precedent when the West refused to recognize Soviet control over the Baltic states despite the de facto situation.

What’s Next

If Putin signals seriousness, Rutte said the process moves to a broader phase—engaging Ukraine directly and coordinating with European leaders. Talks would likely start from the current line of contact, he said, but any outcome must preserve Ukraine’s sovereignty and place Kyiv’s choices at the center.

The Bottom Line

Alaska is a pressure test, not a grand bargain. NATO intends to keep Ukraine supplied, keep allies aligned, and keep Kyiv central to any path toward a ceasefire or peace deal.

Interview transcript courtesy of CBS News. Follow Virginia Times for regular news updates. Stay informed with the latest headlines, breaking stories, and in-depth reporting from around the world.