BRUSSELS — NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has emphasized the importance of discussing strategies to strengthen Ukraine in case of any future peace talks with Russia.

During a meeting on Wednesday with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and other European leaders, Rutte said he wants to explore ways to enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities and ensure it is well prepared for any eventual negotiations with Russia.

"Very much high on the agenda is to make sure that the president and his team, Ukraine, are in the best possible position one day when they decide so to start the peace talks," he said.

He stressed the need to provide comprehensive assistance, including air defense and other weapons systems, to bolster Ukraine's position.

On his part, Ukrainian President Zelensky posted on Telegram that he would hold talks with the leaders of the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands and Poland, as well as UK representatives in Brussels. He’s also due to take part in an EU summit on Thursday.

He added "I think it's a very good opportunity to speak about security guarantees for Ukraine, for today and for tomorrow."

“Europe needs a strong, united position to ensure lasting peace. Every fundamental issue impacting Europe — and ending Russia’s war against Ukraine is undoubtedly one of them — requires coordinated and effective work by European countries,” Zelensky wrote.

Zelensky highlighted the need for a united European position to strengthen Ukraine's defense, protect civilians and enhance its army. He also stressed the priority of securing more air defense systems, particularly crucial in the winter months, to strengthen Ukraine's security and resilience.

Rutte appeared frustrated about when peace talks might start and whether European peacekeepers would be involved. As European Union leaders gathering for a summit in Brussels, Rutte said he wanted to get “a couple of them over” to discuss Ukraine.

He also added that the terms of any peace talks should be up to Ukraine, Russia and any others at the negotiating table. “If we now start to discuss amongst ourselves what a deal could look like, we make it so easy for the Russians,” he said. — Euronews