NATO chief Mark Rutte has warned against naievty when it comes to dealing with Russia and Vladimir Putin.

Speaking alongside Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, he said: “To everybody watching this, please, men and women, citizens of the Czech Republic and all over Europe, Canada and the US, let’s not be naive about Russia. 

“We know what Putin tries to do, and the evidence is there in Ukraine as we speak.”

He made the comments shortly after joining, via videolink, a meeting of the coalition of the willing in Paris.

Ukraine and Europe briefed Trump on talks, Germany says

After their meeting in Paris on Thursday, Ukraine and its Western allies briefed Donald Trump on the discussions, according to a German government spokesperson.

They added that Europe hopes Washington will continue to contribute significantly to efforts to support Ukraine.

The spokesperson also reiterated Europe’s willingness to contribute to security guarantees.

“The Europeans are prepared to make a decisive contribution to strong security guarantees for Ukraine following a negotiated solution. Germany will play its part,” the spokesperson said in a statement. 

“The focus should be on financing, arming and training the Ukrainian armed forces.”