Russia Skeptical of New NATO Chief's Policy Direction

Russia expressed skepticism about any policy changes from the new NATO chief, Mark Rutte, who succeeds Jens Stoltenberg. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated that President Vladimir Putin knew Rutte but did not anticipate any change in NATO's stance. Rutte assumes the role during a pivotal moment in the Ukraine conflict and ahead of the U.S. elections.

Russia expressed doubts on Tuesday regarding policy changes under NATO's new chief Mark Rutte, the former Dutch prime minister who succeeded Norway's Jens Stoltenberg. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov conveyed these doubts, noting President Vladimir Putin's past meetings with Rutte.

"At one time, there were hopes for the possibility of building good pragmatic relations - at least, such a dialogue was conducted - but subsequently we know that the Netherlands took a rather irreconcilable position, a position on the complete exclusion of any contacts with our country," said Peskov. "Therefore, we do not think that anything significantly new will happen in the alliance's policy."

Rutte takes the NATO helm at a crucial juncture in the Ukraine conflict, with Russian forces advancing in the east and the U.S. presidential election nearing. "We have to make sure that Ukraine prevails as a sovereign, independent, democratic nation," Rutte stated in Brussels.

(With inputs from agencies.)