NATO is preparing to gradually establish a new long-term strategy for its relations with Russia, according to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Interfax reports.
Speaking to journalists ahead of a meeting of NATO defense ministers, Rutte emphasized that the alliance's previous relationship with Russia will not be revived.
"The question arises: how to conduct relations with Russia? There is a step-by-step approach to solving the problem," Rutte stated, noting that the topic would be discussed not only at the current meeting but also during a meeting of NATO foreign ministers later this year.
He also noted that the issue will be a key topic at the NATO summit scheduled for 2026.
Rutte clarified that discussions will focus on the long-term trajectory of NATO's relations with Russia, while in the short term, NATO's priority remains ensuring that Russia does not succeed in its military efforts in Ukraine.
He reaffirmed that the previous model of cooperation between NATO and Russia is unlikely to be restored "in the near or distant future."
