BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Tuesday sidestepped questions about Ukraine’s possible membership in the military alliance, saying that the priority now must be to strengthen the country’s hand in any future peace talks with Russia by sending it more weapons.
Rutte’s remarks, ahead of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers, came days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that extending alliance membership to territory now under Kyiv’s control could end “the hot stage" of the almost 3-year war in Ukraine, where Russian forces are pressing deeper into their western neighbor.
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United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte deliver a statement ahead of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels,Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, right, shakes hands with United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a meeting of NATO foreign ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels,Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks during a media conference prior to a meeting of NATO foreign ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels,Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks during a media conference prior to a meeting of NATO foreign ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels,Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks during a media conference prior to a meeting of NATO foreign ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels,Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte takes questions during a media conference prior to a meeting of NATO foreign ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels,Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks during a media conference prior to a meeting of NATO foreign ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels,Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
“The front is not moving eastwards. It is slowly moving westwards,” Rutte said. “So we have to make sure that Ukraine gets into a position of strength, and then it should be for the Ukrainian government to decide on the next steps, in terms of opening peace talks and how to conduct them.”
At their summit in Washington in July, leaders of the 32 NATO member countries insisted that Ukraine is on an “irreversible” path to membership. But some, led by the United States, have balked at moving forward while the war rages and before the country’s borders are clearly demarcated. All 32 countries must agree unanimously for Ukraine to join.
NATO was founded on the principle that an attack on any ally should be considered an attack on them all, and the alliance has consistently tried to avoid being dragged into a wider war with nuclear-armed Russia.
Zelenskyy argued that once open conflict ends, any proposal to join NATO could be extended to all parts of the country that fall under internationally recognized borders.
Pressed on this by reporters, Rutte said: “I would argue, let’s not have all these discussions step by step on what a peace process might look like.”
The first step, he said, must be to “make sure that Ukraine has what it needs to get to a position of strength when those peace talks start.”
Ukrainian officials made it clear Tuesday they won’t countenance any half measures or stopgap solutions on NATO membership.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry issued a strongly worded statement saying Ukraine “will not settle for any alternatives, surrogates or substitutes for Ukraine’s full membership in NATO,” citing its “bitter experience of the Budapest Memorandum.”
Under the international agreement signed in the Hungarian capital 30 years ago, Ukraine agreed to give up its Soviet-era atomic weapons, which amounted to the world’s third-largest nuclear arsenal, in return for security guarantees from Russia, the United States and the United Kingdom.
The Foreign Ministry statement called the Budapest agreement a “monument to short-sightedness in making strategic security decisions.”
“We are convinced that the only real guarantee of security for Ukraine, as well as a deterrent for further Russian aggression against Ukraine and other states, is Ukraine’s full membership in NATO,” it said.
At NATO headquarters in Brussels, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha showed reporters a copy of the Budapest document.
“This document, this paper, failed to secure Ukrainian security and transatlantic security. So we must avoid to repeat such mistakes,” he said in English.
Reflecting on his recent meeting with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Rutte said he had underlined that China, North Korea and Iran were weighing in on Russia's side, putting the United States and the Asia-Pacific region at risk.
“Whenever we get to a deal on Ukraine it has to be a good deal, because what we can never have is high-fiving Kim Jong Un and Xi Jinping and whoever else," Rutte said, saying this would only encourage the leaders of North Korea and China to endorse the use of force elsewhere.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Ukraine’s allies must “do what it takes to support their self-defense for as long as it takes,” but acknowledged that the war will end in negotiations and potential compromise.
Starmer said in a speech late Monday that allies must “put Ukraine in the strongest possible position for negotiations so they can secure a just and lasting peace on their terms that guarantees their security, independence — and right to choose their own future.”
Novikov reported from Kyiv, Ukraine. Jill Lawless in London contributed.
Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte deliver a statement ahead of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels,Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, right, shakes hands with United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a meeting of NATO foreign ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels,Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks during a media conference prior to a meeting of NATO foreign ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels,Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks during a media conference prior to a meeting of NATO foreign ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels,Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks during a media conference prior to a meeting of NATO foreign ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels,Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte takes questions during a media conference prior to a meeting of NATO foreign ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels,Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks during a media conference prior to a meeting of NATO foreign ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels,Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
LONDON (AP) — The Princess of Wales helped kick off the emir of Qatar’s trip to Britain on Tuesday as the U.K. government enlists one of the most popular royals to ensure the success of a state visit by the leader of a key ally, even as the princess recovers from cancer treatment.
The event will be just one of a handful of appearances that Prince William’s wife, better known as Kate, has made since she was diagnosed with cancer in March, underscoring the importance of the gas-rich gulf state that invests billions in Britain and has played a central role in ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas.
William and Kate greeted Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani in the morning. The couples then traveled to Horse Guards Parade in central London, where King Charles III formally welcomed the emir and Sheikha Jawaher to Britain at the start of a two-day visit that will include a trip to Westminster Abbey, a banquet at Buckingham Palace and a meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Queen Camilla, who pulled out of Tuesday's chilly outdoor events on medical advice, told guests at a palace lunch that she had suffered from a lingering chest infection that was a form of pneumonia, Britain's Press Association reported. She added that she no longer has pneumonia, but was suffering from post-viral fatigue.
Though smaller than the U.S. state of Connecticut, Qatar has the world’s third-largest reserves of natural gas and is a key investor in the U.K. The Qatari Investment Authority owns the luxury retailer Harrod’s and holds large stakes in British companies such as Barclays Bank and the supermarket chain Sainsbury’s. It has also invested heavily in London real estate, including the Shard, western Europe’s tallest building.
But the display of pomp being rolled out for the emir sits uneasily with human rights advocates who say women and LGBTQ+ people face discrimination in Qatar, and migrant workers still haven’t been compensated for “egregious abuses” that occurred during preparations for the 2022 soccer World Cup.
“Hosting the royal visit without addressing these issues is tantamount to royal-washing Qatar’s troubling rights record,” said Yasmine Ahmed, U.K. director of Human Rights Watch.
The state visit comes at the end of a difficult year for Britain’s royal family.
The king was sidelined for two months after it was announced in February that he had been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer. Just a few weeks later, Kate made public her own cancer diagnosis and said that she, too, would be stepping away from public duties to focus on her treatment and recovery.
While Charles returned to public duties at the end of April, Kate needed more time and her return has been slower.
The princess has made only a few public appearances this year, mostly at moments of national significance. They included the king’s annual birthday parade in June and the men’s final at Wimbledon in July. Most recently, she took part in the annual Remembrance Day ceremonies in November to honor the nation’s war dead.
The princess announced in September that she had completed chemotherapy treatment.
One reason the government and royal family may have asked Kate and William to play a major role in the Qatari state visit is because they have a lot in common with the emir.
All three are in their early 40s and were educated at elite British prep schools. The emir and William are both graduates of the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, with the emir going on to serve in the Qatari military and William serving in both the British Army and Royal Air Force.
Kate and William will join the Qatari royals and the king and queen for a carriage procession to Buckingham Palace.
After lunch at the palace, the emir and Sheikha Jawaher will visit Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.
Later in the day, the king and queen will host a state banquet at Buckingham Palace.
On Wednesday, the emir will visit Sandhurst, meeting with some of his former classmates and current Qatari cadets. He will also meet with RAF personnel who are providing advanced training for Qatari air force pilots.
The emir will then travel to the prime minister’s residence at 10 Downing Street for his meeting with Starmer.
Find more of AP’s coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/royalty
Britain's King Charles III, centre, and Queen Camilla, right, with the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, second left, and Britain's Princess Anne, left, during a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace, in London, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, during the state visit to the U.K. of the Emir of Qatar and the first of his three wives. (Jordan Pettitt/Pool Photo via AP)
Britain's Queen Camilla ahead of a state banquet at Buckingham Palace, in London, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, during the Emir of Qatar's state visit to the U.K. (Aaron Chown/Pool Photo via AP)
A carriage procession along The Mall to welcome the Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani in London, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)
Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales stands next to Prince William, Prince of Wales, as Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and his wife Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al-Thani visit Buckingham palace in London, Britain, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (Mina Kim/Pool via AP)
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, center, and his wife Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim al-Thani, left, react during a visit to Westminster Abbey with Westminster Dean David Hoyle, in London, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, on the first day of their two-day State Visit to Britain. ( Justin Tallis/Pool photo via AP)
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani looks as his wife Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim al-Thani signing the guests book during a visit to Westminster Abbey, in London, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, on the first day of their two-day State Visit to Britain. ( Justin Tallis/Pool photo via AP)
Wife of Qatar's Emir, Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim al-Thani during a visit to Westminster Abbey in London, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, on the first day of their two-day State Visit to Britain. ( Justin Tallis/Pool photo via AP)
Britain's King Charles III, second right, and Queen Camilla, left, with the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and his wife Sheikha Jawaher ahead of a state banquet at Buckingham Palace, in London, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, during his state visit to the U.K. (Aaron Chown/Pool Photo via AP)
Britain's Kate, Princess of Wales and Prince William arrive to welcome the Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, right, in London, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (Henry Nicholls, Pool via AP)
Britain's Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales arrive at Buckingham Palace, London during the state visit to the UK of the Emir of Qatar Tuesday Dec. 3, 2024. (Jonathan Brady, Pool via AP)
Britain's Kate, Princess of Wales arrives to welcome the Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani in London, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (Henry Nicholls, Pool via AP)
Britain's King Charles III, second right, and Queen Camilla, left, with the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and his wife Sheikha Jawaher ahead of a state banquet at Buckingham Palace, in London, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, during his state visit to the U.K. (Aaron Chown/Pool Photo via AP)
Britain's King Charles III, centre, and Queen Camilla, right, with the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, second left, and Britain's Princess Anne, left, during a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace, in London, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, during the state visit to the U.K. of the Emir of Qatar. (Jordan Pettitt/Pool Photo via AP)
Britain's Kate, Princess of Wales, Prince William and Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani smile during the ceremonial welcome in London, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool)
Britain's King Charles III, right, and Britain's Queen Camilla, behind Qatar's Emir, walk with the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, foreground left, and his wife Sheikha Jawaher during the state visit to the UK of the Emir of Qatar, in London, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (Jonathan Brady via AP, Pool)
Britain's King Charles III, right, and Britain's Queen Camilla, behind, walk with the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, foreground left, and his wife Sheikha Jawaher during the state visit to the UK of the Emir of Qatar, in London, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (Jonathan Brady via AP, Pool)
Britain's Kate, Princess of Wales and Prince William sit in a carriage after welcoming the Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani in London, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool)
Britain's Queen Camilla arrives at Buckingham Palace in London, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)
Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, greets dignitaries as she arrives ahead of a Ceremonial Welcome for the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and his wife Sheikha Jawaher, at Horse Guards Parade in London, Tuesday Dec. 3, 2024. (Henry Nicholls via AP, Pool)
Britain's Kate, Princess of Wales, right, Prince William and King Charles III, left, welcome the Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani in London, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool)
Britain's Kate, Princess of Wales, Prince William and King Charles III, from left, welcome the Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, second right, and Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani in London, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool)
Britain's Kate, Princess of Wales, Prince William, front left, and King Charles III, right, welcome the Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani in London, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool)
Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, greets dignitaries as she arrives ahead of a Ceremonial Welcome for the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and his wife Sheikha Jawaher, at Horse Guards Parade in London, Tuesday Dec. 3, 2024. (Henry Nicholls via AP, Pool)
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, front left, and Sheikha Hind bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, front right, arrive at Stansted Airport in Essex, England, Monday Dec. 2, 2024, for a state visit hosted by King Charles III. ( Joe Giddens/PA via AP)
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, front left, and Sheikha Hind bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, front right, arrive at Stansted Airport in Essex, England, Monday Dec. 2, 2024, for a state visit hosted by King Charles III. ( Joe Giddens/PA via AP)
