NATO chief says Putin should not be taken ‘too seriously’

The question of sending foreign troops to Ukraine is not one Russia can decide, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said, commenting on Russia’s objections to a potential European military contingent being deployed to Ukraine.

“Why should we even care about Russia’s opinion? Ukraine is a sovereign state. Russia has no right to make decisions on its behalf. This does not concern them. If Ukraine wishes to host military forces on its territory that ensure its security and support a peace agreement, that is its decision. No one else has the right to interfere,” Rutte stated.

NATO’s chief also added that the power of Russian President Vladimir Putin should not be overestimated.

“Let’s not take him too seriously,” Rutte said.