NATO Ministers Pressure Russia for Peace Amid Ongoing Ukraine Conflict

BRUSSELS, Belgium, April 4 (Reuters) – European foreign ministers convened at a NATO meeting on Friday, asserting that Russia is undermining U.S. efforts for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine. The ministers urged a firmer stance from the Trump administration while seeking to pressure Moscow into agreeing to a ceasefire.

U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed he is committed to swiftly ending the three-year conflict, frequently indicating his belief that Russian President Vladimir Putin is genuine about pursuing peace. However, recent reports suggest the White House has grown increasingly wary of Putin’s true intentions.

Moscow dismissed a U.S. proposal from March that called for a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire, an agreement Ukraine had initially indicated it would support. While a limited pause in hostilities was established concerning attacks on energy infrastructure, both Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of violating this temporary agreement.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized the need for Moscow to respond to U.S. mediation efforts, stating, “Moscow owes an answer to the United States, which has worked very hard on a ceasefire proposal.”

British Foreign Minister David Lammy criticized Putin’s actions, claiming the Russian leader is “continuing to obfuscate and drag his feet.” Lammy insisted, “He could accept a ceasefire now, yet he continues to bombard Ukraine and its civilian population. We see you, Vladimir Putin; we know what you are doing.”

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock echoed concerns regarding Putin’s negotiations, calling them “nothing but empty promises” and asserting that the Russian leader is consistently raising new demands to delay proceedings.

Other diplomats at the meeting, including those from Canada and Estonia, advocated for setting a timeline for Russia to accept a ceasefire. The U.S. State Department noted ongoing communication with both parties, fostering support for Ukraine and recognition that Russia must do more to help facilitate peace.

The sentiment around the NATO table was clear: there is a need for Russia to engage constructively, with calls for more decisive efforts to reach a truce. A senior State Department official noted, “There was consensus that Russia needs to do more, that Russia should agree to a ceasefire.”

Europeans have expressed growing concerns about the U.S. as the continent’s security guarantor due to Trump’s outreach to Moscow and his pressures on Ukraine. A senior NATO diplomat mentioned a prevailing unease over not being included in negotiations affecting Europe’s security landscape.

While the meeting emphasized a united front against the ongoing conflict, Trump faces pressure domestically and internationally to adopt a tougher stance against Russia as doubts about Putin’s credibility mount.