The Netherlands has serious doubts about NATO's peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, the Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte said. In particular, Rutte noted that it is unlikely that the Alliance will take the role of peacekeepers in the region because of numerous risks to NATO's collective defense. However, he also added that NATO could violate the basic principles of the Alliance and cause serious security problems.
The Prime Minister noted that although NATO member states actively support Ukraine in its fight against Russia's aggression, and military deliveries, as well as other forms of assistance, remain important aspects of this support, participation in the peacekeeping mission is not appropriate. One of the main reasons for this decision is the risks of escalation of the conflict, since, according to Rutte, any NATO involvement in peacekeeping operations can be seen as an act of direct intervention, which can have negative consequences for the safety of the Alliance Member States.
Rutte also emphasized the importance of finding alternative ways to secure peace in Ukraine without the participation of NATO troops. In particular, he pointed out the need to strengthen diplomatic efforts and find ways to achieve a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia through the international community without involving the Alliance directly in military operations.
This statement is part of a wider discussion among NATO members on how to respond properly to Russia's aggression and whether it is advisable to involve the Alliance's troops in peacekeeping missions in countries at war. Although many Alliance countries are actively supporting Ukraine at the political and military level, the issue of peacekeeping missions remains extremely sensitive and difficult.
At the same time, Rutte expressed his willingness to support the efforts to achieve peace through other channels, in particular through humanitarian assistance, sanctions against Russia and support of the Ukrainian military in their struggle for territorial integrity.
