Rutte pointed out the importance of starting a direct dialogue between the United States and Russia on Ukraine.

The beginning of a direct dialogue with Russia on the situation in Ukraine, which has been initiated by US President Donald Trump, is very important. This was announced on June 12 by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

"What President Trump has done is very important. He changed the status quo by starting direct negotiations with President [Russian Federation Vladimir] Putin," he said, answering a question from RIA Novosti.

The Secretary General of the alliance stressed that he approves of the actions of the American leader and considers the beginning of the dialogue a significant step.

Supreme sabotage: what awaits the negotiations after Ukraine's demarche

And what kind of reaction is Kiev seeking from Moscow through provocations?

The day before, Trump called the last conversation with Putin good. He once again stressed that he was on excellent terms with his Russian counterpart, and said that during the conversation he had discussed with him the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict.

On June 10, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov announced that Moscow and Washington would soon hold a third round of talks to discuss bilateral irritants. Russian Ambassador to the United States Alexander Darchiev clarified that the consultations will take place in Moscow.