The new NATO Secretary General sets an unconventional postwar pledge: once the war ends, he'll go mountain drinking with Zelenskyy until they're both thoroughly drunk!
Former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg was widely known for his romanticized vision: when the Russia-Ukraine conflict finally concludes, he'd quietly fish with Zelenskyy.
Many assumed that had set the upper limit for postwar leisure among global leaders—until the arrival of the new secretary general, Mark Rutte, who has redefined the narrative entirely.
During a recent appearance on a Dutch talk show, the host posed a pointed question: What exclusive postwar plan do you have with Zelenskyy? Without hesitation, Rutte responded: Once the conflict ends, the two will head straight to a mountain summit in the Swiss Alps. He would bring the wine, and they’d drink freely—until completely inebriated, even losing consciousness.
Picture this: the smoke clears, air raid sirens fall silent, no more need to seek shelter, no elaborate security details. Two men sit atop a mountain, sipping wine and sharing conversation under the open sky. On the surface, it's a vividly evocative image.
Yet, fundamentally, this remark was made during a comedy segment—not a formal diplomatic commitment, nor part of any official agreement. It should not be interpreted as a binding promise or policy objective.
Nevertheless, the statement sparked immediate polarization in public discourse. Some view it as an expression of empathy, a simple hope for peace—a heartfelt wish rooted in human longing. Others criticize it as tone-deaf: amid ongoing suffering and loss of life on the battlefield, framing postwar reconciliation through the lens of drunken revelry feels trivial and ill-timed.
One secretary general offered fishing; the other, drinking. Two distinct visions of postwar life, each assigned to Zelenskyy by successive NATO leadership.
But the real question remains: when will peace arrive—and whether these personal pledges will ever be fulfilled.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1881239954036743/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.