Ukraine will 'of course' take part in any peace talks, Russia says

Russia has stated that Ukraine will "of course" be included in any peace deal negotiations, following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's insistence that Kyiv would not accept a deal without its involvement.

Donald Trump spoke with Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, announcing that they had agreed to begin talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine "immediately." NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also affirmed that Ukraine would be part of the negotiations, stressing that Putin must not be allowed to "seize another square mile" of Ukrainian territory.

Earlier, Trump suggested that there is now a "good possibility" of ending the war, while his defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, stated that the negotiations would likely involve compromises neither Moscow nor Kyiv desires. Hegseth also urged NATO allies in Brussels to increase their defense spending.

Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, eight years after it annexed Crimea.

What did we learn from the Nato press conferences?

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth recently spoke in two consecutive press conferences. Here’s a summary of their key points:

Rutte emphasized that NATO’s priority should be to put Ukraine in the "best possible position for negotiations," assuring reporters in Brussels that "Ukraine will be involved in any way whatsoever." He also stressed the importance of ensuring that Russia’s President Vladimir Putin does not "try to grab another square mile or kilometre of Ukraine."

Hegseth called for an increase in NATO's spending, readiness, and "lethality," adding that the alliance would "make NATO great again." He also confirmed that peace talks would involve both Putin and Zelensky, noting that he had briefed NATO allies on US President Donald Trump's focus on securing a "diplomatic, peaceful end to this war as quickly as possible" while ensuring lasting peace.

The US Secretary of Defense further stated that NATO and its European members would play a critical role in the "need for peace."

Stay tuned for more updates.

Hegseth questioned on US relationship with China as news conference wraps up

At the final question of the news conference in Brussels, Hegseth was asked about the US-China relationship under the Trump administration. The US Secretary of Defense responded by emphasizing the goal of building the most "lethal" military to defend against threats like Chinese aggression, but he also made it clear that Trump does not "seek conflict."

Stay with us for a recap of the key developments from the two news conferences in Brussels coming up shortly.

Hegseth says 'Europe has to spend more'

Hegseth is now answering a question on the US's position that Nato should raise its defence investment to 5%, and if that includes the US or just European allies. The US currently invest 3.4% into defence, according to Nato.

"Nobody can or should contest the extent of America's willingness to invest in national security", he says, adding that 3.4% is a "very robust" investment that is larger than most Nato allies.

He tells journalists that the US has its own budgetary considerations to make, and says that while the US will continue to invest, he does not think Nato allies' "unwillingness" to invest more can be dismissed.

The US cannot be a "permanent guarantor... Europe has to spend more", he adds.

Negotiations 'will be had with both' Putin and Zelensky, US defence secretary confirms

Hegseth was recently asked whether he could guarantee that a deal would not be imposed on Ukraine and whether Europe would be involved in the negotiations. He was also questioned about the continuation of weapons shipments to Ukraine during the negotiations.

The US Secretary of Defense confirmed that President Donald Trump had spoken with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier this week. "Any negotiation that's had will be had with both," Hegseth stated.

He further emphasized that NATO and its European members would play a significant role in the "need for peace," noting that negotiations would have widespread impacts. Hegseth also mentioned that "future funding" could be part of the negotiations.

Earlier, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov remarked that Ukraine "will of course one way or another be taking part in the negotiations."

Peace negotiations will contain some elements neither side wants - Hegseth

Pete Hegseth was asked whether he would invoke Article 5, NATO's principle that an attack on one member state is considered an attack on all. He responded by stating that he would not speak on behalf of President Trump or reveal any potential decisions or concessions that might be made.

The Defense Secretary also noted that any negotiated peace would likely involve elements neither side desires, but he clarified that borders would not be reverted to their status from 2014, the year Russia unilaterally annexed Crimea.

Trump is the 'perfect deal maker', says defence secretary

Hegseth has just been asked what concessions Trump will need Russian President Putin to make in order to secure a peace deal.

He says Putin "responds to strength" and claims there was no Russian aggression from 2016 to 2020 - Trump's first term.

He goes on to describe Trump as "the perfect deal maker".

Hegseth calls on Nato nations to increase contributions

The US Secretary of Defense reflected on post-World War II concerns raised by President Eisenhower about NATO allies not contributing enough. Pete Hegseth emphasized that the Trump administration "deeply believes in alliances," but he added, "Make no mistake, President Trump will not allow anyone to turn Uncle Sam into Uncle Sucker."

As a reminder, the war in Ukraine was the main topic of discussion for defense chiefs gathered in Brussels today for a NATO meeting. This comes after US President Donald Trump confirmed he had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the potential to bring an end to the conflict.

Trump's priority is a 'peaceful end to this war', Hegseth says

Hegseth told journalists in Brussels that he discussed the war in Ukraine during a meeting with the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, which included NATO ministers and the Ukrainian council.

He shared that he had the opportunity to "brief allies" on President Trump's focus on achieving a "diplomatic, peaceful end to this war as quickly as possible," with the goal of creating a lasting and durable peace.

Hegseth added that the US looks forward to collaborating with its allies to support this "important work."

As a reminder, you can follow Hegseth's statement by clicking Watch Live above.

Nato must increase spending, US defence secretary says

Pete Hegseth is addressing reporters, emphasizing that NATO must "achieve peace through strength." He explained that President Trump's directive is to "put America first," prioritizing its taxpayers, borders, and security.

While acknowledging that NATO is the "most successful defense alliance in history," Hegseth stressed the need for increased spending, readiness, and "lethality." He concluded by stating, "We will make NATO great again."

Hegseth now speaking

We're now tuning into a news conference by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in Brussels.

We'll bring you the top lines as we get them and you can watch it live above.

Ukraine will take part in negotiations, Kremlin spokesman says

While we were covering the news conference, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Ukraine "will of course one way or another be taking part in the negotiations."

Peskov added, according to TASS News agency, that there will be a bilateral Russian-American track for the dialogue, as well as a track involving Ukraine.

Nato knew call between Trump and Putin was 'imminent'

The BBC's Russian service has now questioned Rutte about his comments regarding NATO's awareness of the imminent call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The NATO Secretary General clarified that the alliance "always knew" the call was "imminent," but they were not aware of the "specific time slot." He added that NATO teams regularly consult with each other and share information about their activities.

Rutte questioned on Nato security spending

Rutte is now addressing questions about whether the US plans to reduce security spending in Europe, following comments from the US Secretary of Defense that Europeans need to take more responsibility for their own defense.

He acknowledged that "the US is quite irritated" and has been for some time, noting that President Trump has made it "very clear" that the US is spending significantly more on defense compared to the averages of other NATO members.

Rutte added that NATO's spending increased by 20% last year, excluding US contributions, which shows that members are capable of spending more, but it is still not enough. He emphasized that NATO’s spending should be much higher than the current 2%, proposing a target of at least 3% to achieve a necessary "burden shift."

Nato membership not an agreed part of peace talks, says secretary general

Mark Rutte is now being asked by journalists if he's "giving Putin what he wants".

He says Nato committed to giving Ukraine membership in the future, but it had "never been agreed" this would be a term of peace talks with Russia.

Vladimir Putin has constantly opposed Ukraine's Nato membership, so some members worry demanding it as a guarantee in peace talks would cause him to prolong the war.

Instead, Rutte says Nato must make sure the Russian president will "never ever try again to attack Ukraine".

You can watch Rutte answering questions by journalists by clicking Watch Live above.

Nato wants to ensure negotiations lead to 'lasting' peace

The BBC asked Mark Rutte if he agrees with the German defense minister's comments, which suggested that US President Donald Trump has made concessions before negotiations have even started.

Rutte responded that he is "not in a position" to comment on the statements of others. He noted that Trump had made his views on the war in Ukraine "clear" during his presidential election campaign and added that NATO was aware a few days ago that "talks were imminent."

Rutte emphasized that NATO's focus is to ensure that any negotiations lead to a "lasting outcome."

Putin is 'unpredictable' - Nato secretary general

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is still fielding questions from the media at a news conference in Brussels.

When asked if he believes Putin wants to end the war, Rutte replied that he cannot say what is on Putin's mind. He mentioned having had many meetings with the Russian president, describing him as a strong negotiator but also an unpredictable individual.

Rutte emphasized that for NATO to facilitate a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia, it must navigate the talks in a way that Putin understands, ensuring that he is clear about the conditions.

Putin must know Ukraine will get 'all the support it needs'

Rutte was recently asked if Ukraine is starting negotiations from a position of weakness.

"No, and I do not completely agree with you," he replied. He added that if talks begin, "they will not end on day one or day two."

Rutte emphasized the need for a clear "path" to ensure the talks' success and stressed the importance of making sure Putin understands that Ukraine is receiving "all the support it needs to prevail."

'Ukraine will be involved' in peace negotiations, Nato secretary general insists

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is currently taking questions from the media.

When asked if all NATO allies are "united" in their belief that Ukraine must be part of the negotiations, Rutte responded that all allies are "united" in ensuring that when talks begin, Ukraine is in the "best possible position."

"Ukraine will be involved in any way whatsoever," he stated. He also emphasized that regardless of the outcome, NATO must ensure that Putin does not attempt to "grab another square mile, kilometre of Ukraine."

As a reminder, NATO defense chiefs met in Brussels earlier to discuss the alliance's security priorities, with the war in Ukraine being the primary focus of the discussions.

Nato must switch to 'wartime mindset'

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has stated that NATO must adopt a "wartime mindset" as he delivers a statement in Brussels.

He highlighted that NATO has provided €50 billion in support to Ukraine, with 60% of this funding coming from Europe and Canada. This follows US President Donald Trump’s call for other NATO members to increase their contributions.

Rutte also announced a new military support package for Ukraine, emphasizing that it sends a "clear symbol" that Europe and Canada are shouldering more of the burden.

As a reminder, you can watch Rutte's statement by clicking Watch Live above.