Deutsche Tageszeitung - NATO chief says a joint plan to end Ukraine war would 'test' Putin

"So far, (Russian President Vladimir) Putin has only played the peacemaker when it suits him, to buy time to continue his war," Rutte said in a speech in Berlin.

US President Donald Trump "wants to end the bloodshed now" and is "the only one who can get Putin to the negotiating table", Rutte said.

"So, let's put Putin to the test. Let's see if he really wants peace, or if he prefers the slaughter to continue."

Ukrainian officials on Wednesday said they had sent Washington an updated plan for ending Russia's invasion, building on a 28-point proposal made by US President Donald Trump last month.

The original plan, which involved Ukraine surrendering land that Russia has not captured, was seen by Kyiv and its European allies as caving in to too many of Russia's hardline demands.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said further talks with the Americans were planned this weekend and an international meeting on Ukraine "could take place at the beginning of next week".

Rutte said later, in a panel discussion: "Do I think that when it comes to Ukraine, the US and Europe (can) get to one page? Yes, I'm positive.

"I think we can. Am I sure that the Russians will accept? I don't know. This is the test."

The NATO chief also accused China of being "Russia's lifeline" in the war.

"China wants to prevent its ally from losing in Ukraine," he said in his speech at a security conference.

"Without China's support, Russia could not continue to wage this war."

China, one of Russia's main trading partners, says it has a neutral position in the Ukraine conflict, but has refrained from condemning Russia.

Rutte also warned of the financial consequences for NATO of a Ukraine "under the boot of Russian occupation".

"NATO would have to substantially increase its military presence along the eastern flank," he said. "And allies would have to go much further and faster on defence spending and production."

(M.Dylatov--DTZ)