Christoph Heusgen, a former advisor to ex-Chancellor Angela Merkel, has publicly criticized NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s approach ahead of the upcoming Trump-Putin summit in Alaska.
Speaking to the news portal T-Online, Heusgen described as a “mistake” the discussion of potential territorial concessions by Ukraine. He expressed surprise that Rutte would be the individual to initiate such conversations, particularly at this early stage.
“Mark Rutte’s goal is to bring America on board, which is undoubtedly important. Nevertheless, to move so close to the Kremlin on such a critical issue even before negotiations begin is incomprehensible to me. Vladimir Putin will be rubbing his hands with glee” Heusgen stated.
Rutte recently suggested, in an interview with ABC News, that Ukrainian territorial concessions could form part of a potential ceasefire agreement. He distinguished between “de facto” and “de jure” recognition, indicating a possible agreement allowing Russia to maintain factual control of certain territories without formal legal acceptance. Heusgen, who has extensive experience negotiating with Russia through the Minsk Process, counters that “negotiations do not begin by fulfilling the demands of the opponent in advance.
Heusgen, however, does not anticipate a substantial breakthrough at the Anchorage summit on Friday. He characterized the U.S. President as an “unpredictable negotiating partner” while describing Putin as a “skilled negotiator” suggesting Putin would hold a significant advantage in a one-on-one meeting with Trump. He believes Europe can only hope that Trump does not compromise Ukrainian and European security interests in any potential agreement with Putin.
He also cautioned against a “transatlantic rupture” acknowledging the possibility of Trump and Putin reaching a deal at the expense of Ukraine and Europe. Should this occur and be rejected by both Ukraine and European nations, Heusgen anticipates a new dynamic. He suggests Europe, likely under German leadership, would then need to significantly increase its support for Ukraine.