NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said it is up to the United States to engage in talks with Russia, responding to French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal to resume contact with Moscow.

Speaking at a press conference after a meeting of NATO defense ministers, Rutte stressed that Washington played a decisive role in restarting dialogue, The Caspian Post reports, citing TASS.

“We all agree that it is the United States who had to break the deadlock. President Trump broke the deadlock in peace negotiations with President Putin in February last year. That was crucial. And since then, he has been consistently driving the peace process,” he said.

Rutte also noted that the United States has been keeping European allies regularly informed about developments in the peace efforts.

Addressing questions about Macron’s remarks, the NATO chief said discussions about Europe’s potential role are legitimate.

“Of course, there is a discussion what Europe could do more here. I think it’s totally fine to have that debate as long as also the Europeans - and I’m sure they will and I know they will be - completely open about their endeavor so that all of this works together,” he added.