ISTANBUL 

NATO's secretary-general on Thursday expressed optimism about the US initiative for peace in Ukraine during a speech at Comenius University in Slovakia.

"I have confidence in the team in the US negotiating this," Mark Rutte said in response to a question about Ukraine's support for a potential US-Russia deal.

He also reiterated the need for Ukraine’s presence in the negotiations, adding that he is not “really worried” about this issue as it is an “early stage,” and they would be involved.

“No doubt Ukraine will be involved in peace talks,” he said.