NATO Secretary General Rutte: ‘We Are Russia’s Next Target’
Speaking in Berlin, Mark Rutte warns that the threat from Russia is growing and calls for stronger unity among NATO allies
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte issued a stark warning at a security forum in Berlin, stating that the alliance could be Russia’s next target. Rutte emphasized that the danger from Russia is now at NATO’s doorstep and argued that the risk of war in Europe is steadily increasing. He called on NATO member countries to intensify their efforts to strengthen collective defense in the face of rising threats.
The Secretary General pointed out that Russia has significantly ramped up its military capabilities in recent years and warned that Moscow could be ready to launch military action against NATO within five years. “Now is the time to act. The threat is growing, and we must act as one,” Rutte declared, urging a unified response across the alliance. He also stressed the importance of continued and increased support for Ukraine, including military aid and assistance with its critical needs.
Rutte highlighted a pattern of recent incidents in Europe linked to Russia, including drone attacks, railway sabotage, and damage to undersea cables, underscoring the severity of ongoing hybrid threats. In his discussion with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the leaders reviewed the details of a potential peace plan for Ukraine. Merz reiterated that only the Ukrainian government can decide on the country’s territorial integrity and insisted, “Ukrainian leaders must not be forced into peace.”
