In negotiations over Ukraine, European officials say President Trump’s team has positioned the U.S. as an independent arbiter rather than the leading voice of NATO.

Mark Rutte's comments come a day after Putin rejected US proposals for peace in Ukraine after talks with US negotiators in Moscow.

After being blindsided by President Donald Trump’s 28-point plan last month, some Europeans have expressed extreme disquiet at being apparently sidelined in talks.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte brushed off fresh concern about the United States’ commitment to the military organization on the eve of a meeting of allied foreign ministers focused on Russia’s war

The diplomat questioned whether Europe would be a dynamic economy or just somewhere Americans visit for lovely wines, cheeses and beers

US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine's national security council, issued the call following two days of "constructive discussions" in Florida. They said in a statement that the prospect of ending the war in Ukraine depends on Russia's "readiness" to take "steps towards de-escalation and cessation of killing".

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov attends a meeting of Russian President Vladimir Putin with Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (both not pictured) at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia on Aug 7, 2025. (Photo: REUTERS/Alexander Nemenov) … see more

Ukraine's desire to join Nato is rooted in its pursuit of reliable security guarantees. With a smaller military and defence budget compared to Russia, Ukrainian officials argue that Nato offers the best protection available.

U.S. and Ukrainian officials are holding a second day of talks in Florida on Friday about President Donald Trump's proposal aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war, according to two U.S. officials. U.S.