NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Tuesday said that efforts to end the war in Ukraine remain deeply challenging, especially following Russia’s latest attacks on civilians. "These discussions are not easy, not least in the wake of this horrific violence, but we all support [US] President [Donald] Trump’s push for peace," he stated during a joint press appearance with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Odesa.

Rutte was referring to the talks that Washington is leading with both Ukraine and Russia in an attempt to stop the fighting and reach a lasting agreement. He noted that such negotiations are particularly difficult at a time when Ukraine continues to suffer from Russian missile strikes that have left more than 100 people injured.

Earlier today, Zelensky said discussions with the US on a potential minerals agreement, based on a March proposal, were "positive" and ongoing.