NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte remarked on Monday that European allies need to boost their defense spending considerably following President Donald Trump's call for an increase to five percent of gross domestic product.

In an exclusive interview on "The Story," Rutte pointed out that although European NATO members are currently spending seven hundred billion dollars more than they were before Trump's presidency, the existing levels are still inadequate for the collective security needs of the alliance.

Rutte highlighted the necessity of aligning European defense expenditures with those of the United States, mentioning the importance of maintaining a balance as the U.S. shifts its attention towards other global regions, such as China and the Middle East.

He also expressed trust in the American team responsible for the upcoming peace negotiations involving Russian President Vladimir Putin and other international officials.

European leaders gathered for an emergency summit in Paris on Monday to strategize for a bilateral meeting between U.S. and Russian representatives in Saudi Arabia, aimed at negotiating a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.

In related news, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth suggested that NATO membership for Ukraine is unlikely to feature in any settlement, emphasizing that security guarantees for Ukraine would depend on competent forces from both European and non-European countries without the presence of U.S. troops.

Hegseth's statements have ignited discussions among international observers, while French President Emmanuel Macron has reiterated the necessity for credible deterrence and sustainable peace measures.

Rutte dismissed assertions that U.S. initiatives are designed to placate Russia, asserting that President Trump’s efforts are aimed at concluding the conflict.

He noted that European leaders are striving to create security assurances for Ukraine in case U.S. forces are not available following the conflict.

These comments arrive as NATO and its allies continue to re-evaluate and adapt their defense strategies in the face of changing geopolitical challenges.