Mark Rutte, the head of NATO, warns that Europe may be Russia’s next target
Rutte urges urgent defense expenditure and quick military preparation, warning Europe that Russia may target NATO within five years.
In a warning that European partners would be “Russia’s next target,” NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has urged governments to increase defense expenditure and get ready for a possible major conflict.
In a speech at the Munich Security Conference in Berlin, Rutte stated that as US pressure mounts and Russia’s war in Ukraine continues, Europe must stop being complacent.
Conflicts are no longer waged at arm’s length, thus we must be prepared. “War is on our doorstep,” he declared. “We need to be ready for the scope of the conflict that our grandparents and great-grandparents faced because Russia has brought war back to Europe.”
Rutte warned that Moscow “could be ready to use military force against NATO within five years,” but he stressed that if all members fulfill their obligations, NATO might avert such a “tragedy.”
Too many people are quietly content. Too many people think that time is on our side. It’s not,” he continued.
In June, NATO countries decided to increase defense expenditure to 5% of GDP by 2035, which is more than twice the existing aim of 2% and in line with what former US President Donald Trump has long called for.
Rutte emphasized the need to uphold US commitment to NATO while admitting that Europe “must take more care of our own defense.”
He stated that a stable Atlantic protected by NATO is essential to US security and that “it’s crucial we keep the transatlantic bond as it is today.”
Additionally, Rutte acknowledged that Trump was “the only one who could break the deadlock with Putin” and thanked him with ending the impasse in peace negotiations with Russia.
As peace talks progress, European officials continue to exercise caution and warn that Ukraine must be given the last say over any territory concessions.
Rutte stated, “There must be security guarantees for Ukraine strong enough that Putin knows any future attack would be devastating.”
In the meantime, Russia has called on the UK to “admit” the circumstances surrounding the death of a British soldier in Ukraine, suggesting without proof that British personnel were involved in covert activities.
The soldier passed suddenly “after a tragic accident while observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability, away from the frontlines,” according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
