NATO Chief Mark Rutte Backs Trump's Sanctions Strategy Against Russia at World Economic Forum in Davos

Jan 23, 2025, 09:27 AM

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has expressed strong support for U.S. President Donald Trump's strategy to impose further sanctions on Russia in an effort to end its war against Ukraine. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Rutte stated that he was 'very, very happy' with Trump's position on increasing economic pressure on Russia, noting that the Russian economy is performing poorly and that additional sanctions could help 'choke off' its financial resources. Rutte also emphasized the need for Europe to 'step up' its own sanctions against Russia and increase support for Ukraine, warning that the current trajectory of the conflict is 'not in the right direction.' He linked the conflict to broader geopolitical issues, suggesting that a victory for Russian President Vladimir Putin could lead to dangerous alliances with North Korea, China, and Iran. Trump's warning came after he threatened Russia with more tariffs and sanctions if it did not end the war in Ukraine.