The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, does not have veto power or a say in who will join NATO in the future, stated NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Thursday during the "Ukrainian Breakfast" in Davos, organized by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation.
"We must clearly understand that Vladimir Putin does not have veto power or a voice regarding who will join NATO in the future. Only if he himself wishes to join NATO, but I do not think he wants that," Rutte said.
According to him, it is clear that full membership of Ukraine in NATO is the best option for ensuring sustainable peace.
"But whatever the outcome, it must be clear that peace is sustainable… When they (negotiations) conclude, we must be confident that the peace we collectively supported will be durable and never again be called into question," emphasized the NATO Secretary General.
He noted that the situation with the Minsk agreements should not be repeated.
"Therefore, we must focus on putting Ukraine in the best possible position (before negotiations)," Rutte indicated.