NATO intends to gradually develop a new concept for relations with Russia for the long term, Alliance's Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Thursday.

"The question arises: how to conduct relations with Russia? There is a step-by-step approach to solving the problem. The topic can be discussed today and at the meeting of foreign ministers later this year," he told journalists before the meeting of NATO defense ministers.

According to him, this topic will also be discussed at the NATO summit in 2026.

He noted that the discussion is about the long-term prospects of relations, since in the short term, the situation is clearer and comes down to the task of not allowing Russia to win in Ukraine.

Rutte clarified that the previous relations between the Alliance and Russia would not be restored in the near or distant future.